Sokoto State Police Command has arrested a suspected serial rapist, Annas Sani, in connection with multiple cases of abduction, impersonation and sexual assault involving teenage girls, raising serious concerns about organised sexual abuse in the state.
Briefing journalists on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Musa, said the suspect, a resident of the Gidan Igwai area of Sokoto, was arrested on December 9, 2025, after police received a report on the abduction and rape of two teenage girls aged 17 and 18.
According to the police, investigations into the case uncovered a wider pattern of abuse far beyond the initial complaint. Officers revealed that Annas Sani allegedly operated with a network of accomplices, targeting young girls through deception and intimidation.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to committing these crimes with the assistance of three accomplices who are currently at large,” CP Musa said. The accomplices were identified as Mohammed, Adam Nura, also known as Willy, and Mubarak Yusuf.
Police said the suspects allegedly posed as members of an organisation known as the Sokoto State Masterpiece Brigade, which they used as a front to lure unsuspecting girls to an office near Gidan Igwai. Once there, the victims were reportedly threatened, restrained and sexually abused.
Investigators disclosed that at least 28 victims have so far been identified, adding that several of the affected girls were severely traumatised. Some reportedly fled their homes out of fear, making it difficult for families to trace them or report the incidents promptly.
“This is a very disturbing development in our community,” CP Musa said. “Many victims were too traumatised to speak out. Parents must closely monitor the movements of their daughters, especially in the evenings, and maintain open communication with them.”
Items recovered from the suspect include a camouflage-style uniform allegedly used to intimidate victims and an identification card bearing his name, which police believe was used to impersonate an authority figure.
The Commissioner assured residents that investigations were ongoing and that efforts had been intensified to arrest the remaining suspects connected to the rape network. He urged members of the public to provide credible information that could help bring all those involved to justice.
Meanwhile, the police noted that the arrest of Annas Sani was part of broader operations to dismantle criminal groups across Sokoto State, including cult-related activities, as the Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and safeguarding communities.
