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The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested an alleged cult leader, Mohammed Mukhtar, also known as Sai Mallam, and a man suspected to be a serial rapist, Annas Sani, as part of ongoing efforts to curb crime in the state.
Police said Mukhtar is believed to be the leader and chief priest of the Sai Mallam group, which has allegedly spread fear in parts of Sokoto through fraud, intimidation and fetish practices.
Police reported that they recovered fetish items and other materials said to have been used to hypnotise victims during a search of his residence.
Briefing journalists on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, said the arrests followed sustained operations to dismantle organised criminal groups.
“This arrest marks a significant breakthrough in our efforts to completely dismantle this dangerous group,” the Command said.
He added that investigations were still ongoing to arrest other members.
The police recalled an earlier announcement on November 29, 2025, when three members of the same group were arrested.
“Following that development, the anti-kidnapping unit intensified a manhunt for the remaining members, especially those in leadership positions,” a police spokesperson said.
The Command expressed concern that many members of the group are young people between 19 and 30 years old.
“These are the most productive years of their lives,” the spokesperson said.
“Instead of being in school or learning trades, they are being lured into deception, fraud and fetish activities in the pursuit of quick wealth.”
In a separate operation, police also confirmed the arrest of Annas Sani from the Gidan Igwai area over allegations including abduction, impersonation and rape.
He was arrested on December 9, 2025, following a report involving two teenage girls aged 17 and 18.
Investigators later uncovered what they described as 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 Police said.
The suspects allegedly used the name Sokoto State Masterpiece Brigade to lure victims to an office near Gidan Igwai.
Police said at least 28 victims have so far been identified, noting that some were too traumatised to report the incidents.
“This is a very disturbing development in our community,” CP Musa said.
“Parents must monitor the movements of their daughters… Many victims were too traumatised to report what they were experiencing.”
Meanwhile, Mukhtar denied the allegations against him.
“I am just a spiritualist working for the people in the state. I am not involved in any cult activity,” he said.
Police urged the public to share useful information as efforts continue to arrest other suspects and ensure community safety.
Sokoto police arrest alleged cult leader, serial rape suspect
