The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested an alleged leader of the notorious ‘Sai Mallam’ cult group and a suspected serial rapist linked to the abuse of dozens of young girls.

Briefing journalists, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, said the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to dismantle organised criminal groups and restore peace across the state.

Musa said the ‘Sai Mallam’ group had spread fear in parts of Sokoto through alleged fraud, intimidation, and fetish practices.

He disclosed that following the earlier arrest of three members, operatives intensified a manhunt that led to the arrest of the group’s alleged leader and chief priest, Mohamed Mokhtar, popularly known as ‘Sai Mallam’.

A search of Mokhtar’s residence, which also served as a shrine, reportedly led to the recovery of fetish materials and items linked to the group. The commissioner described the arrest as a breakthrough, noting that investigations were ongoing.

He expressed concern that most members of the cult were youths aged between 19 and 30, urging parents to monitor their children and discourage involvement in criminal activities.

In a separate operation, the police also arrested a suspected serial rapist, Annas Sani, of the Gidan Igwai area of Sokoto, over allegations of conspiracy, abduction, impersonation and rape.

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Musa said investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly operated with accomplices under the guise of an organisation known as the Sokoto State Masterpiece Brigade, using it to lure young girls to an office where they were intimidated and abused. At least 28 victims have so far been identified.

Items recovered include a camouflage-style uniform and an identification card allegedly used to deceive and intimidate victims. The police said efforts were ongoing to arrest other suspects involved.

The command urged residents to provide useful information and assured the public of its commitment to protecting lives and property. The arrested ‘Sai Mallam’ leader, however, denied involvement in any cult activity, claiming to be a spiritualist.

Source: Punch