Operatives from the Zamfara State Police Command have apprehended an Islamic cleric for allegedly chaining fifty six (56) people in an illegal rehabilitation centre in Gusau, the state capital for “spiritual healing”.

The cleric, identified as Mallam Iliyasu Maimamari, was taken into custody on Tuesday, March 31st, 2020, by a team of police operatives and all the fifty six (56) victims were also evacuated and transferred to The Government Rehabilitation Centre in Zamfara, while those with minimal issues were taken back to their homes.

The evacuated people, who included men and women ranging from thirteen (13) to fifty (50) years of age displaying psychiatric and other antisocial problems, were reportedly taken to the centre by their family members from various parts of the state.

Most of the victims had been chained at the rehab centre for several years in an unhealthy environment, without adequate feeding, while lots of them were not in good health.

Addressing news reporters during the evacuation, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaji Mohammed Maiturare, said the cleric had been illegally operating the rehabilitation centre, under the radar of the state government.

The commissioner, who insisted that the Islamic cleric would be charged to court for human rights violations, admonished the people of the state to always take their wards to government-approved rehabilitation centres.

Justin Nwosu

Justin Nwosu is the founder and publisher of Flavision. His core interest is in writing unbiased news about Nigeria in particular and Africa in general. He’s a strong adherent of investigative journalism, with a bent on exposing corruption, abuse of power and societal ills.