By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force has commenced a comprehensive investigation into a viral video allegedly containing statements capable of inciting religious violence and threatening peaceful coexistence, following the arrest of a 22-year-old suspect in Zamfara State.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in an official statement, identifying the suspect as Umar Ibrahim Gandi Maradun, a native of Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
According to the statement, the video reportedly shows a young man dressed in the uniform of Jama’atu Izalatil Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), allegedly making statements capable of undermining public peace and peaceful coexistence.
The police said the Zamfara State Police Command activated its intelligence resources to identify those involved and subsequently arrested the suspect for investigation.
The Command also engaged the leadership of JIBWIS at the national and state levels following the incident. The organisation’s leadership reportedly disassociated itself from the alleged conduct and handed the suspect over to the police.
The Force stated that the investigation was ongoing, adding that the suspect would be charged before a competent court if sufficient evidence established the commission of an offence under applicable law.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting all citizens irrespective of religious affiliation, the police emphasised the need to uphold the constitutional rights to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
The statement added that the Force would take appropriate lawful action against any conduct capable of inciting religious hatred, provoking violence or threatening public peace.
The police also cautioned members of the public against further sharing the video or circulating unverified information that could heighten religious tensions or threaten public order.
It urged Nigerians to remain calm and allow investigators to conclude their work, stressing that the Force remained committed to safeguarding lives and property, maintaining public order and promoting peaceful coexistence across the country.
