The Sokoto State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against crime with the arrest of an alleged cult leader and a suspected serial rapist in separate operations across the state.
The police said the arrests are part of sustained efforts to dismantle organised criminal groups and protect residents from violence, fraud, and abuse. The suspects are Mohammed Mukhtar, also known as Sai Mallam, and Annas Sani, who is accused of multiple offences including rape.
Briefing journalists on Friday, the Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Ahmed Musa, said Mohammed Mukhtar is believed to be the leader and chief priest of a group popularly known as the Sai Mallam group.
According to the police, the group has allegedly spread fear in some parts of Sokoto through fraud, intimidation, and the use of fetish practices. Officers said Mukhtar was arrested after weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance by the command’s anti-kidnapping unit.
During a search of his residence, police said they recovered fetish items and other materials suspected to have been used to deceive and hypnotise victims.
“This arrest marks a significant breakthrough in our efforts to completely dismantle this dangerous group,” the police said in a statement.
The command added that investigations are still ongoing and that efforts are being intensified to arrest other members of the group who are currently on the run.
The police recalled that on November 29, 2025, three members of the same group were arrested and paraded. At the time, the command said the suspects were involved in activities linked to fraud and intimidation.
Following that development, the police said they launched a manhunt for the remaining members, especially those believed to be in leadership positions.
“After the earlier arrests, our anti-kidnapping unit intensified operations to track down other members of the group,” a police spokesperson said.
The arrest of Mukhtar, the police said, is expected to help investigators uncover the full network and operations of the group.
The Sokoto State Police Command expressed concern over the age profile of many suspected members of the group. According to the police, most of them are young people between the ages of 19 and 30.
“These are the most productive years of their lives,” the spokesperson said. “Instead of being in school, learning trades, or contributing positively to society, they are being lured into deception, fraud, and fetish activities in the pursuit of quick wealth.”
The police warned young people against being drawn into criminal activities and urged parents and community leaders to guide youths towards education and lawful means of livelihood.
Speaking briefly after his arrest, Mukhtar denied the allegations against him. He claimed that he is only a spiritualist providing services to people in the state.
“I am just a spiritualist working for the people in the state. I am not involved in any cult activity,” he said.
The police, however, said investigations would determine the truth of the claims, adding that no suspect would be judged until due process is followed.
In a separate operation, the Sokoto State Police Command also confirmed the arrest of Annas Sani, a resident of the Gidan Igwai area of the state, over allegations of abduction, impersonation, and rape.
Police said Sani was arrested on December 9, 2025, following a report involving two teenage girls aged 17 and 18. The report prompted a detailed investigation, which later uncovered what police described as a wider pattern of abuse.
According to the police, further investigations revealed that at least 28 victims may have been affected, although some were too traumatised to come forward or report their experiences.
“This is a very disturbing development in our community,” Commissioner Musa said.
Police said the suspect and his accomplices allegedly used the name “Sokoto State Masterpiece Brigade” to deceive victims. They reportedly invited young girls to an office located near the Gidan Igwai area under false pretences.
During interrogation, police said Sani confessed to committing the crimes with the help of three other accomplices, who are currently at large.
“The suspect confessed that he did not act alone,” the police said. “Three accomplices assisted him, and efforts are ongoing to arrest them.”
The command said investigations are continuing and that more victims may still be identified as the case progresses.
Commissioner Musa called on parents and guardians to closely monitor the movements and activities of their children, especially teenage girls.
“Parents must monitor the movements of their daughters,” he said. “Many victims were too traumatised to report what they were experiencing.”
He also urged members of the public to speak up and provide useful information to the police to help prevent such crimes and bring offenders to justice.
Sokoto State, like many parts of northern Nigeria, has faced security challenges in recent years, including banditry, kidnapping, and other crimes. The police command said it has intensified patrols, intelligence gathering, and community engagement to improve safety.
According to the police, the recent arrests show the importance of cooperation between the public and security agencies.
“We cannot succeed without the support of the community,” a police spokesperson said. “Information from residents plays a key role in our operations.”
The police said both suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court once investigations are completed. They assured the public that all legal procedures would be followed.
The command also reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property in the state and warned that criminal activities would not be tolerated.
