Police break up cult group, arrest serial rapist in Sokoto
Police in Sokoto State have arrested the leader of the notorious ‘Sai Mallam’ cult group and a suspected serial rapist. The arrests, announced by Commissioner Ahmed Musa on December 9, 2025, follow months of operations targeting organised crime in the region. Authorities say the cult group and the alleged rapist have terrorised local communities, with dozens of victims identified. Police are urging parents to monitor their children closely as investigations continue.
What happened
- The police arrested Mohamed Mokhtar, known as ‘Sai Mallam’, the leader and chief priest of the cult, after a targeted operation based on intelligence.
- Fetish items, banners, and materials used for alleged hypnosis were recovered from Mokhtar’s residence, which doubled as a shrine.
- In a separate case, Annas Sani was arrested on December 9, 2025, for conspiracy, abduction, impersonation, and rape of at least two teenage girls.
- Investigations revealed Sani’s gang, operating as the Sokoto State Masterpiece Brigade, abused at least 28 victims, with some girls fleeing home in fear.
- Police are still searching for Sani’s three accomplices and have urged the public to provide information to help bring them to justice.
