The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested the chief priest and leader of the notorious ‘Sai Mallam’ cult group, as well as a suspected serial rapist linked to the abuse of dozens of young girls across parts of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, disclosed this on Friday while briefing journalists in Sokoto, describing the arrests as a major breakthrough in the command’s ongoing crackdown on organised criminal activities.
Musa said the ‘Sai Mallam’ group had for months instilled fear in communities through alleged fraud, intimidation and fetish practices.
He recalled that the police had earlier arrested three members of the group in November, a development that prompted an intensified manhunt for its leadership.
“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 operation, the anti-kidnapping unit sustained efforts to track down the remaining members, especially the leadership,” the commissioner said.
According to him, operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested the group’s leader and chief priest, Mohamed Mokhtar, popularly known as Sai Mallam.
A search of his residence, which also doubled as a shrine, led to the recovery of fetish items, banners bearing the group’s name and other materials allegedly used to hypnotise victims.
“This arrest is a significant breakthrough in our efforts to completely dismantle this dangerous group,” Musa stated, adding that investigations were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members.
The police commissioner expressed concern over the age profile of those involved, noting that most members of the cult were youths between 19 and 30 years.
“These are the most productive years of their lives. Instead of being in school or learning trades, they are being drawn into deception, fraud and fetish activities in the pursuit of quick money.”
“Parents must pay closer attention to their children, the company they keep and their daily activities,” he said.
In a separate development, the command also 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.
Musa said the suspect was arrested on December 9, 2025, following a complaint involving the abduction and sexual assault of two teenage girls aged 17 and 18. Further investigation, he added, uncovered a wider pattern of abuse.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to committing these crimes with the assistance of three accomplices who are currently at large,” the CP said, identifying them as Mohammed, Adam Nura, also known as Willy, and Mubarak Yusuf.
According to police findings, the suspects allegedly operated under the guise of an organisation known as Sokoto State Masterpiece Brigade. They reportedly used the platform to lure unsuspecting girls to an office near Gidan Igwai, where the victims were intimidated and sexually abused.
The commissioner disclosed that 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. Parents must monitor the movement of their daughters, especially in the evenings, and have the courage to speak openly with them. Many victims were too traumatised to report what they were going through,” Musa said.
Items recovered during the operation included a camouflage-style uniform allegedly used to intimidate victims and an identification card bearing the suspect’s name.
The police assured residents that efforts were ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects and called on members of the public to provide useful information, stressing the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property in Sokoto State.
Speaking briefly after his arrest, Mohamed Mokhtar denied involvement in cult activities.
“I am just a spiritualist working for the people in the state. I am not involved in any cult activity,” he said.
