Sokoto police arrest cult leader and suspected serial rapist as officers intensify operations to restore peace and protect vulnerable communities

The Sokoto State Police Command on Friday announced the arrest of the leader of the notorious ‘Sai Mallam’ cult group and a suspected serial rapist, as part of intensified operations to dismantle criminal networks across the state.

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The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, disclosed the development while briefing journalists in Sokoto, saying the arrests marked a decisive breakthrough in ongoing efforts to restore public safety and curb organised crime.

CP Musa said the ‘Sai Mallam’ group had recently instilled fear in several communities through alleged fraud, intimidation and fetish practices. He recalled that three members of the gang were arrested in November, prompting a sustained manhunt for the group’s leadership.

Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the anti-kidnapping unit arrested the group’s alleged leader and chief priest, Mohamed Mokhtar, popularly known as Sai Mallam.

A search of his residence, which the police said also functioned 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,” Musa said, assuring residents that investigations were ongoing to apprehend other suspected members.

The police commissioner expressed concern over the age profile of the group’s members, noting that most were youths between 19 and 30 years old. He described the trend as alarming and urged parents to monitor their children closely.

“These are the most productive years of their lives, yet they are being drawn into crime through deception and the pursuit of quick wealth,” Musa said.

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

According to the commissioner, 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. Further investigations allegedly uncovered a wider pattern of abuse.

Musa said the suspect confessed to committing the crimes with the assistance of three accomplices, identified as Mohammed, Adam Nura, also known as Willy, and Mubarak Yusuf, who are currently at large.

Police investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly operated under the guise of an organisation known as the Sokoto State Masterpiece Brigade, using it to lure young girls to an office near Gidan Igwai, where victims were intimidated and sexually abused.

At least 28 victims have so far been identified, the police said, adding that some of the girls were severely traumatised and had fled their homes out of fear.

“This is a very disturbing situation,” Musa said. “Parents must have open conversations with their children and pay close attention to their movements, especially in the evenings.”

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

The police command said efforts were ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects and urged members of the public to provide useful information, reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and restoring peace across Sokoto State.