The Sokoto State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against crime with the arrest of a notorious cult leader and a suspected serial rapist linked to the abuse of several young girls across the state.

Briefing journalists on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, said the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and restore peace in communities affected by rising insecurity.

According to the police boss, operatives arrested Mohamed Mokhtar, popularly known as “Sai Mallam,” identified as the leader and chief priest of the feared ‘Sai Mallam’ cult group. The group had reportedly been involved in fraud, intimidation, and fetish practices that instilled fear among residents in different parts of Sokoto.

Musa explained that the arrest followed weeks of intelligence-led operations after three members of the group were apprehended in November. A search of Mokhtar’s residence, which also functioned as a shrine, led to the recovery of fetish items and materials allegedly used to hypnotise victims.

Describing the arrest as a significant breakthrough, the commissioner expressed concern that most members of the group were youths between the ages of 19 and 30. He warned parents to pay closer attention to their children’s activities, stressing that many young people were being drawn into crime in search of quick wealth.

In a separate development, the police also arrested a suspected serial rapist, identified as Annas Sani, over allegations of abduction, impersonation, and sexual assault. Musa said the suspect was arrested on December 9 following reports of the abduction and rape of two teenage girls.

Further investigation, according to the police, uncovered a disturbing pattern of abuse involving at least 28 victims. The suspect allegedly operated with accomplices under the guise of an organisation known as the Sokoto State Masterpiece Brigade, using the cover to lure young girls to an office where they were intimidated and assaulted.

The commissioner revealed that some victims were so traumatised they fled their homes without reporting the crimes. He urged parents and guardians to engage openly with their children and closely monitor their movements, particularly during evening hours.

Items recovered from the suspects included fetish materials, banners, a camouflage-style uniform, and an identification card allegedly used to intimidate victims. While Mokhtar denied being involved in cult activities, claiming to be a spiritualist, the police said investigations were ongoing.

The Sokoto State Police Command reassured residents of its commitment to bringing all suspects to justice and called on the public to support security agencies with timely and useful information to keep communities safe.