Police arrest ‘deputy imam’ in Sokoto over alleged collaboration with bandits

Security operatives have arrested one Sirajo Ahmad Dan Liman in Kangiye, Atakwanyo ward, Gwadabawa LGA of Sokoto, over allegations of collaborating with bandits.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, Dan Liman is the deputy chief imam of the Central Jumu’ah Mosque in Kangiye.

The publication reports that security intelligence linked Dan Liman to the supply of motorcycles and other essential items to bandits operating along the Tangaza–Niger Republic border corridor.

The publication said authorities reportedly discovered N47 million in his bank account, suspected to be proceeds of his dealings with the criminals.

Zagazola quoted sources as disclosing that Dan Liman is also the ward chairman of a political party in Atakwanyo, and secretary of the forum of political party chairmen in Gwadabawa LGA.

“Sirajo is also known for delivering sermons during Ramadan and deputising for his father, the chief imam, including leading Friday prayers,” the report reads.

The publication said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle the financial and logistic networks sustaining banditry in Sokoto and neighbouring states.

Rufai Ahmed, spokesperson for the Sokoto police command, confirmed that the suspect is currently under investigation.

“An arrest was made of the suspect currently undergoing investigation. But note that he is not a clergyman and no such amount alleged was found in his account,” Ahmed told TheCable.