Security operatives have arrested Sirajo Ahmad Dan Liman, Deputy Chief Imam of the Central Jumu’ah Mosque in Kangiye, Atakwanyo Ward in Gwadabawa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, over alleged collaboration with armed bandits.

Zagazola Makama gathered from sources that intelligence investigations linked Sirajo to the supply of motorcycles and other essential items to bandits operating along the Tangaza–Niger Republic border axis.

The operatives allegedly found N47 million in his bank account, suspected to be proceeds from his dealings with the criminals.

Further checks revealed that Sirajo also serves as the ward chairman of a political party in Atakwanyo, as well as the secretary of the forum of political party chairmen in Gwadabawa LGA.

Sources said the suspect was known to deliver sermons in Kangiye during Ramadan and often deputized for his father, the Chief Imam, including leading Friday prayers and delivering the sermon when the Imam was unavailable.

The authorities said the arrest was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the financial and logistical networks sustaining banditry in Sokoto and neighbouring states. (Zagazola, but headline rejigged)