Police Debunk Claims Arrested Bandit Suspect Is Islamic Cleric

The Sokoto State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media that a recently arrested suspect, Sirajo Dan Liman, is an Islamic cleric or the Deputy Chief Imam of Kangiye community.

Police spokesperson, Ahmad Rufa’i, clarified in a statement on Thursday that although Dan Liman is in custody and under investigation, he is not a religious leader.

Earlier, a report by security analyst Zagazola Makama alleged that the suspect, identified as the Deputy Chief Imam of the Central Jumu’ah Mosque in Kangiye, was arrested for allegedly aiding bandits by supplying motorcycles and other items to criminals operating along the Tangaza–Niger Republic border. The report also claimed that ₦47 million was found in his bank account.

Rufa’i described these allegations as false, stating, “He is not a clergyman, and no such amount was discovered in his account.” He confirmed that the investigation into the suspect’s activities is still ongoing.