By Desire Emmanuel
Men of the Sokoto State Police Command have foiled the activities of a notorious cult network group known as ‘Sai Malam’ and said to be recruiting its members through a WhatsApp group known as ‘Red Chamber’ and whose activities are unsettling communities in the state.
It was gathered that the police detectives stormed the hideout of the cult group following intelligence reports received about their activities and their recruitment process.
When the men of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command stormed the hideout around 11:30 p.m. on Friday, three men, including the coordinator of the group, whose name was given as Usman Shu’aibu, were picked up,
Police investigations also revealed that the cult group operated an online recruitment channel through the Red Chamber which was said to have been deliberately created to lure and initiate unsuspecting youths.
According to the police, the coordinator of the group confessed that the platform served as an entry point into activities described as “criminal and morally corrupt,” including occult practices, pursuit of supernatural powers and violent gang operations.
Speaking on the arrest, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ahmed Musa, said the arrests followed various concerns raised by residents.
“We want to assure the good people of Sokoto that we have been listening. This operation is a direct response to their calls for action.
“By dismantling this cell, we have taken an important step towards safeguarding our communities,” he said.
The command also said it is a concern to it regarding the rising use of digital platforms by criminal groups to target young people for recruitment.
The command said further that investigations are ongoing to arrest other members of the ‘Sai Malam’ network.
