Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough with the arrest of three notorious members of the criminal cult group known as “Sai Malam,” whose activities have terrorized several communities across the state.
The arrests were carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Ahmed Musa following a coordinated night operation on Friday, November twenty-eighth, at about eleven p.m.
The prime suspect, Usman Shu’aibu, was apprehended alongside two accomplices, and according to police sources, has made extensive confessions revealing the inner structure and recruitment methods of the cult.
Investigations uncovered that the suspects were initiated into the “Sai Malam” society through a private WhatsApp channel known as the “Red Chamber,” which served as an online recruitment hub targeting unsuspecting youths.
The Police said the WhatsApp group was deliberately created to lure vulnerable young people into criminality, immoral behaviour, and violent practices masked as spiritual empowerment.
According to the confessions, the cult engages in witchcraft, ritual activities, demonic power-seeking, acts of homosexuality, and well-organized thuggery aimed at disrupting public peace.
The Sokoto Police Command described these revelations as deeply disturbing, warning that the digital space is fast becoming a breeding ground for criminal recruitment and radicalization of youths.
In response to the findings, the Command issued a strong advisory to parents and guardians, urging them to closely monitor their children’s phone activities and remain alert to suspicious online engagements.
Parents were further advised to hold open conversations with their children about the dangers of secret social media groups and promptly report unusual behaviour or questionable digital contacts to security agencies.
The Police said the operation was triggered by rising public outcry over violent incidents linked to the “Sai Malam” cult, stressing that the successful arrests demonstrate a strong, proactive response to community concerns.
Commissioner Musa stated that the crackdown has effectively dismantled a major cell of the cult network, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven security operations that protect lives and property across Sokoto State.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate as the Police call on residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to support ongoing security actions.
