A coalition of concerned citizens, survivors, and families of victims of long-running sectarian violence in Sokoto State has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, demanding the arrest and prosecution of former Sokoto Governor and current Senator, Aliyu Wamakko. Their demand follows what they describe as “self-incriminating confessions” made by the senator regarding past attacks and state-backed persecution of the Shia minority community aligned with Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky.

The petition, dated October 27, 2025, was signed by Prof. Shehu Ahmad Maigandi of Usmanu Danfodiyo University. In it, the group argues that Wamakko’s recent public comments—made during the commissioning of a mosque in Minanata, Sokoto—amount to an admission of orchestrating violent operations that destroyed homes, targeted Shia leaders, and resulted in numerous deaths.

A video of the former governor’s speech, now widely circulating on social media and broadcast platforms, captures Wamakko boasting about using security agencies and hired groups to “destroy the Shia Islamic Centre and neutralise their activities,” with particular reference to the late Malam Kasimu Umar’s residence and religious facilities.

Wamakko served as governor between 2007 and 2015 and currently represents the Sokoto Central Senatorial District. According to the petitioners, his tenure was marked by extensive state-enabled attacks on Shia followers. They allege that at least 170 houses and business premises belonging to Shia adherents were destroyed and more than 100 people were arrested and prosecuted on charges they say were politically motivated.

Though many of the accused were later acquitted by the Court of Appeal in 2015, the petition states that some detainees died in custody due to poor prison conditions and untreated illnesses.

Among those named as victims are Malam Hussaini Mana, Aminu Muhammad (popularly known as Aminu System), and Nasiru Jimi Danhili. The petition further accuses Wamakko of enabling extremist clerics such as Malam Bello Kofa and Malam Ummaru Danmaishiyya to incite hate and fuel sectarian violence that went unchecked for years.

Human rights advocates describe the former governor’s recent remarks as a “rare moment of public self-indictment,” alleging widespread misuse of state power, involvement of military officers including Lt. Col. Nasiru Kontagora, and systematic violations of constitutional protections including freedom of religion.

The petitioners insist the IGP must treat Wamakko’s alleged actions as a “grave threat to national security and peaceful coexistence.” Copies of the petition were also sent to more than 30 national and international institutions, including the Attorney General of the Federation, National Human Rights Commission, all Sokoto lawmakers, Amnesty International, and the Islamic Human Rights Commission in London.

In their statement, the petitioners recalled that many Shia members were hastily arraigned before Sharia courts in trials they say were “politically influenced,” resulting in mass convictions later overturned by the Court of Appeal on July 2, 2015. Several detainees—including Mal. Nura Abubakar Guiwa, Ibrahim Mungadi, and Buhari Dole—died either in prison or shortly after release from illnesses contracted during detention.

The petitioners also accuse Wamakko’s administration of unlawfully terminating the appointments of hundreds of Shia civil servants without following due process. They argue that his justification for the crackdowns was the community’s insistence on conducting prayers and religious activities at Masallacin Shehu, the Sokoto Central Mosque.

They further allege that Wamakko relied heavily on sectarian mobilization, manipulating the Sunni majority against the Shia minority with the support of extremist clerics. According to the petition, this trend resurfaced after his recent speech, citing a provocative Friday sermon delivered on October 17, 2025, by Imam Nura Hausare—described as one of Wamakko’s agents—which echoed calls for renewed attacks on the Shia community.

The petition asserts that Wamakko has long championed divisive politics, dating back to his time as Deputy Governor. It claims he built and armed violent youth groups known as Baraden Sunna, who were allegedly involved in sectarian killings as far back as 2005. Among those said to have been murdered during that period were Akilu Sahabi Tudun Wada, Adamu Marmaron Garo, and Aliyu Abubakar Hungumawa.

The group concludes that Wamakko’s public remarks amount to provocation, incitement, and an admission of responsibility for extrajudicial killings carried out by security agencies and armed groups during his administration.

“It is our fervent prayer that the Inspector-General of Police will be professional and courageous enough to act swiftly and bring this unpatriotic element to book,” the statement reads. “Sokoto State, the North, and indeed Nigeria cannot afford another round of communal violence, especially in the historic city of Sokoto.”