Police Arrest Man in Viral Video Preaching Religious Intolerance and Violence

The Zamfara State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man allegedly featured in a viral video containing inflammatory statements and calls for violence against Christians in Enugu and Plateau states.

The arrest was confirmed on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, following widespread circulation of the footage on social media. Police authorities said the suspect was taken into custody for investigation after the video generated concern over possible religiously motivated violence.

The suspect was identified as Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, a native of Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State. According to information released by police, the man was handed over to authorities after the leadership of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) became aware of the video and distanced itself from the alleged conduct.

The footage reportedly shows the suspect wearing a uniform associated with the First Aid Group of JIBWIS while leading a group of young people in a street procession. The video attracted particular attention because of chants allegedly calling for firearms to be obtained for attacks against Christians.

The footage reportedly referenced Enugu and Plateau states, with the statements allegedly suggesting attacks on people attending church services.

The emergence of the video triggered strong reactions from Nigerians, with concerns raised about religious intolerance, incitement and the exposure of young people to violent rhetoric.

Police Begin Investigation

The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, A.M. Bello, said the command had commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the recording.

Police authorities said the investigation would establish what happened, identify everyone involved and determine whether any offence was committed under the applicable laws.

The Force also stressed that statements capable of promoting religious hatred, threatening communities or disturbing public peace would be treated seriously.

According to information released by the police, the investigation will consider allegations including incitement to violence, disturbance of public peace and criminal intimidation, subject to the evidence gathered during the process.

The police said the suspect would be charged before a competent court if sufficient evidence establishes that an offence was committed.

The authorities have also urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could further increase tension between religious communities.

What Police Say About the Video

Preliminary police findings reportedly indicate that the video was recorded on Friday, October 23, 2026.

Investigators said the suspect was allegedly on his way to Aliyu Ibn Abi Thalib Mosque, where he and others were involved in security and activities connected to Friday prayers and preaching.

Police information identified the man as someone who joined JIBWIS in 2025. He was also reportedly recently admitted to study Mass Communication at Zamfara State University, Talata Mafara.

The investigation is expected to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the recording, including the identities and roles of other people who appeared in the footage.

The presence of children in the video has also added to concerns surrounding the incident, particularly because of the potential impact of violent or hateful messages on young people.

JIBWIS Distances Itself From Video

JIBWIS leadership has strongly rejected any suggestion that the organisation supports the statements allegedly made in the video.

The organisation’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Bala-Lau, condemned the footage and called on the police, Department of State Services and other security agencies to investigate the incident and prosecute anyone found responsible.

Bala-Lau said the remarks promoting violence were completely contrary to the organisation’s teachings and objectives.

He also cautioned that wearing a JIBWIS First Aid Group uniform or appearing alongside members does not automatically mean that an individual is acting with the organisation’s approval.

JIBWIS National Publicity Secretary, Sheikh Ahmad Muhammad Ashiru, similarly said the organisation had not established the authenticity and full circumstances surrounding the video but maintained that it does not support violence against people because of their religion.

The organisation called for a proper investigation to determine who was responsible and whether the footage was genuine, manipulated or taken out of context.

Concerns Over Religious Tension

The incident has renewed concerns about the dangers of religious intolerance in Nigeria, where tensions between communities can quickly escalate when inflammatory messages spread online.

Security agencies and religious leaders have repeatedly stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims, particularly in communities where residents from different faiths live and work together.

The circulation of violent rhetoric on social media can create fear beyond the location where the original incident occurred. It can also make it difficult to distinguish between an individual’s statements and the official position of a religious organisation.

In this case, JIBWIS has made it clear that the statements attributed to the suspect do not represent its position.

The police investigation is therefore expected to provide clearer answers about the circumstances surrounding the recording, the people involved and whether criminal offences were committed.

Police Urge Public to Remain Calm

The Nigeria Police Force has urged Nigerians not to allow the video to fuel religious tension or provoke retaliatory reactions.

Authorities have encouraged members of the public to allow investigators to establish the facts rather than relying on claims circulating online.

The police also reiterated their responsibility to protect Nigerians regardless of religious affiliation and to take lawful action against individuals whose conduct threatens public safety or encourages violence.

For now, the suspect remains under investigation, and no conviction has been recorded against him. Any criminal liability will ultimately depend on the evidence gathered and the outcome of legal proceedings.

The case is expected to attract further attention as investigators work to establish the full circumstances behind the viral footage and determine whether others should be questioned or prosecuted.

The investigation will also be important in determining whether the incident was an isolated act or part of a wider attempt to spread religious tension. Authorities are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the recording and those involved.

The development also serves as another reminder of the responsibility of individuals and organisations to prevent messages promoting hatred or violence from spreading, particularly when children and vulnerable communities may be exposed to them.