Sokoto: Security forces in Sokoto State have apprehended Sirajo Ahmad Dan Liman, Deputy Chief Imam of the Central Jumu’ah Mosque in Kangiye, Atakwanyo Ward, Gwadabawa Local Government Area, over allegations of aiding armed bandit groups.
According to security sources, intelligence reports linked the cleric to the supply of motorcycles and other critical materials to criminal gangs operating around the Tangaza–Niger Republic border corridor.
Investigators reportedly uncovered a total of ₦47 million in his bank account, suspected to be proceeds from the illicit dealings.
Further checks indicated that Sirajo also holds political influence in the area, serving as the ward chairman of a political party in Atakwanyo and acting as secretary for the forum of political party chairmen in Gwadabawa LGA.
It was gathered that the cleric, who often stood in for his father, the Chief Imam, during Friday congregations and Ramadan services, had been under covert surveillance prior to his arrest.
Authorities described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle the financial and logistical lifelines sustaining banditry in Sokoto and nearby states.
