Police Arrest Three Suspected “Sai Malam” Cult Members in Targeted Sokoto Operation

The Sokoto State Police Command arrested three suspected members of a known cult group called ‘Sai Malam’ as a result of a targeted operation carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command on Friday.

Arrests come as there is growing public concern about the growing influence of the cult group within the state.

In a statement, Police’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, confirmed that the main suspect, Usman Shu’aibu, along with two other suspects, “have since provided detailed confessions about the activities of the group.” In the preliminary findings, the group suspected to be behind the spread of the harmful content is believed to have recruited unsuspecting members through a private WhatsApp platform known as Red Chamber to persuade members to engage in criminal and immoral activities.

Police report that what is suspected to be involved in the activities of the cult is “witchcraft and ritual practices, the quest for demonic powers, practices of homosexuality, and organized thuggery and violence.”

The Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Musa, responded to these concerns by assuring the citizens that the command is prioritizing the disruption of the group’s activities.

“Indeed, we have learned of the concerns of the people of Sokoto. And through these arrests, we have broken up a strong cell of this perilous sect, and we remain committed to the protection of all inhabitants,” he added.

The Command appealed to parents and guardians to be keen on their children’s activities on their smartphone and social media platforms, and to report to security agencies any suspicious behavior.

It was, however, added by police authorities that other members of the group are being hunted, and their cooperation is required through credible information from the public.