The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested the leader and chief priest of the notorious ‘Sai Mallam’ cult group, Mohamed Mokhtar.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Musa, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Friday, December 19, 2025 said the arrests were part of sustained efforts to restore peace and dismantle organised criminal groups terrorising communities across the state.
According to the police boss, the ‘Sai Mallam’ group had in recent months generated widespread fear in several parts of Sokoto through alleged fraud, intimidation and fetish practices.
“You may recall our press release of November 29, 2025, where we announced the arrest of three members of the ‘Sai Mallam’ gang,” the CP stated.
“Following that development, the anti-kidnapping unit intensified a manhunt for the remaining members, especially the leadership.
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives arrested the group’s leader and chief priest, Mohamed Mokhtar, popularly known as ‘Sai Mallam’
“A search of his residence, which also served as a shrine, led to the recovery of fetish materials, banners bearing the group’s name and other items allegedly used to hypnotise victims.
“This arrest is a significant breakthrough in our efforts to completely dismantle this dangerous group,” the commissioner added, reassuring residents that investigations were ongoing.
The command expressed concern that most members of the cult were youths aged between 19 and 30 years, describing the trend as dangerous.
“These are the most productive years of their lives. Instead of being in school or learning trades, they are being lured by deception, fraud and fetish activities in the quest for easy money. Parents must pay closer attention to their children, their friends and their activities,” he added.
