By MARIE-THERESA NANLONG
The Plateau State Police Command has arrested 21 suspected cultists and two individuals spreading fake news on social media, whose posts were capable of inciting chaos in the state.
The Command assured the public that the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, disclosed that the arrests followed directives from the State Commissioner, CP Bassey Ewah, to all Area Commanders, DPOs and tactical team commanders to heighten patrol and raid operations in their areas of responsibility.
He stated: “The Command arrested a social-media fake-news peddler and 21 suspected members of ‘Sara-Suka,’ a cult syndicate notorious for terrorising innocent citizens within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis.
“It will be recalled that earlier this month, a viral TikTok video posted via the handle @townboii1 circulated on social media. In the video, the individual made inciting comments aimed at causing chaos within the state.
“The Command is pleased to announce that the originator and owner of the TikTok account, Mohammed Shuaibu Adam, male, 16 years old, and his accomplice, Auwal Ilyas Abdullahi, male, 19 years old, both of Rikkos, Jos, have been arrested.”
Alabo disclosed that during interviews, the suspects confessed to the crime and would be charged to court after investigations.
He added: “As part of efforts to curb crime and ensure a peaceful Ramadan celebration, the CP directed all Area Commanders, DPOs and Tactical Team Commanders to intensify patrol and raid operations. Consequently, 21 suspects were arrested at various locations across the metropolis. They are undergoing thorough investigation at the State CID and will soon be charged to court.
“CP Bassey Ewah commends the efforts of officers who worked tirelessly to make these arrests possible. He encourages them to continue to ensure the safety of Plateau citizens and to flush all criminal elements out of the state.”
Alabo further called on residents to remain calm and go about their daily activities without fear, assuring that the Command was fully capable and committed to maintaining their safety.