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

Briefing journalists on Friday, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Musa, said the operations were part of sustained efforts to restore peace and dismantle organised criminal groups terrorising communities across the state.

According to the commissioner, the ‘Sai Mallam’ group had in recent months generated widespread fear in several parts of Sokoto through alleged 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, operatives arrested the group’s leader and chief priest, Mohamed Mokhtar, popularly known as ‘Sai Mallam’.

A search of his residence, which also served as a shrine, led to the recovery of fetish materials, banners bearing the group’s name and other items allegedly used to hypnotise 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 were youths aged between 19 and 30 years, describing the trend as dangerous.

“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 confirmed the arrest of a suspected serial rapist, Annas Sani, from the Gidan Igwai area of Sokoto, over allegations of conspiracy, abduction, impersonation and rape.

The commissioner 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 investigations revealed a broader pattern of abuse.

“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.

The gang allegedly operated under the guise of an organisation called Sokoto State Masterpiece Brigade, using it to lure unsuspecting girls to an office near Gidan Igwai, where victims were intimidated and abused.

Investigators said at least 28 victims had so far been identified, adding that some of the affected girls were traumatised and had fled their homes out of fear.

“This is a very horrible thing happening in our community,” the CP said. “Parents must monitor the movement of their daughters, especially in the evenings, and have the courage to talk openly with them. Many victims were too afraid and traumatised to report what they were going through.”

Items recovered during the operation included a camouflage-style uniform allegedly used to intimidate victims and an identification card bearing the name of the suspect.

The police assured the public that efforts were ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects and urged residents to provide useful information, stressing that the command remained committed to protecting lives and safeguarding communities across Sokoto State.

Speaking in an interview, the arrested leader of the ‘Sai Mallam’ group, Mohamed Mokhtar, denied any link to the cult.

“I am just a spiritualist working for the people in the state. I am not involved in any cult activity,” he said. (PUNCH)

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