By Bello Shehu Tamaje
The Sokoto State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough with the arrest of three key members of the notorious “Sai Malam” cult group, whose activities have been a growing source of fear across several parts of the state.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, the Command said the operation led by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit under Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, psc was executed on Friday, November 28, 2025, following credible intelligence.
According to the police spokesman, the principal suspect, Usman Shu’aibu ‘M’, and two accomplices were arrested and have already made confessional statements detailing the cult’s recruitment methods and criminal undertakings.
DSP Rufai disclosed that investigations revealed the suspects were initiated into the clandestine group through a private WhatsApp platform known as “Red Chamber”, which was specifically created to lure unsuspecting youths into criminality.
Activities linked to the group include witchcraft practices, pursuit of demonic powers, acts of homosexuality, organized thuggery, and other morally depraved conduct.
The police spokesman warned that the discovery of an online recruitment channel underscores a new and dangerous strategy employed by criminal gangs to infiltrate and corrupt young people through digital platforms.
He urged parents and guardians to intensify supervision of their children’s online activities, maintain open communication on the dangers of unauthorized social media groups, watch for sudden behavioral changes, and promptly report suspicious interactions to security agencies.
DSP Rufai said the arrests were in direct response to persistent complaints from residents distressed by the rising influence of the “Sai Malam” group.
He quoted CP Musa as assuring the public that their concerns had been taken seriously.
We want to assure the good people of Sokoto that we have been listening. The arrest of these suspects shows clearly that their calls for action have been answered.
“A key cell of this notorious group has been dismantled, and we remain fully committed to safeguarding every citizen,” he stated.
The Command further noted that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the cult, calling on the public to continue providing timely and actionable intelligence.
DSP Rufai reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property through proactive, intelligence-driven policing and sustained community collaboration.
