BY SUNDAY SAMUEL—The Sokoto State Police Command has intensified its clampdown on a syndicate tied to the notorious “Sai Malam” cult, arresting three members in a coordinated Friday night raid led by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
This breakthrough follows growing public concern over the cult’s expanding influence across parts of the state.
In a statement, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, confirmed that the principal suspect, Usman Shu’aibu, and two others are already cooperating with investigators and have “provided detailed confessions regarding the group’s activities.”
Preliminary investigations revealed that the cult allegedly ran a covert recruitment network through a WhatsApp group called the “Red Chamber,” which was reportedly used to lure unsuspecting youths into criminal activities.
According to the statement, the group’s operations include “witchcraft and ritual practices, the pursuit of demonic powers, acts of homosexuality, and organized thuggery and violence.”
Reassuring the public, Commissioner of Police Ahmed Musa stated: “We want the good people of Sokoto to know that we have heard their concerns. The arrest of these suspects shows that their calls for action have been answered. Our efforts have disrupted a key cell of this group, and we remain committed to safeguarding every citizen.”
The command urged parents and guardians to monitor their children’s smartphone and social media use closely, and to promptly report any suspicious online behavior.
Security agents are continuing efforts to apprehend additional fleeing members, and authorities appealed to residents to support ongoing operations with credible information.
