The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested the alleged leader of the notorious ‘Sai Mallam’ cult group, along with a suspected serial rapist believed to be linked to the abuse of several young girls.
Briefing journalists on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Musa, said the arrests were part of ongoing operations aimed at restoring peace and dismantling organized criminal networks across the state.
He explained that the ‘Sai Mallam’ group had, in recent months, instilled fear in parts of Sokoto through alleged acts of fraud, intimidation and fetish practices.
“You may recall our press release of November 29, 2025, where we announced the arrest of three members of the ‘Sai Mallam’ gang.
“Following that development, the anti-kidnapping unit intensified a manhunt for the remaining members, especially the leadership,” Musa said.
Acting on credible intelligence, Police operatives arrested the group’s alleged leader and chief priest, Mohamed Mokhtar, popularly known as ‘Sai Mallam’.
A search of his residence, which also doubled as a shrine, led to the recovery of fetish mates, banners bearing the group’s name and other items allegedly used to hypnotize victims.
“This arrest is a significant breakthrough in our efforts to completely dismantle this dangerous group,” the commissioner said, reassuring residents that investigations were ongoing.
The command expressed concern that most members of the cult are youths between the ages of 19 and 30 years, describing the development as a dangerous trend.
“These are the most productive years of their lives,” Musa warned.
“Instead of being in school or learning trades, they are being lured by deception, fraud and fetish activities in the quest for easy money. Parents must pay closer attention to their children, their friends and their activities,” he added.
In a separate but equally disturbing development, the police also confirmed the arrest of a suspected serial rapist, Annas Sani, from the Gidan Igwai area of Sokoto, over allegations bordering on conspiracy, abduction, impersonation and rape.
The commissioner of police said the suspect was arrested on December 9, 2025, following a report involving the abduction and sexual assault of two teenage girls aged 17 and 18. He added that ongoing investigations uncovered a wider pattern of abuse linked to the suspect.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to committing these crimes with the help of three accomplices who are currently at large,” Musa said, naming the suspects as Mohammed, Adam Nura (alias Willy) and Mubarak Yusuf.
