A prominent northern Islamic cleric, Sheikh Murtala Bello Asada Sokoto, has criticised the Nigeria Police Force over its denial of a viral video showing armed men riding motorcycles in Katsina State, questioning efforts to portray the individuals as anything other than terrorists.
The cleric's reaction followed a statement by the police dismissing widespread claims that a uniformed police officer was seen saluting armed bandits in the footage.
According to the police, the individuals captured in the video were not terrorists but local vigilantes.
However, Sheikh Asada rejected the explanation and shared another video in response, accusing the police of undermining public trust through what he described as a misleading narrative.
Speaking in Hausa in remarks monitored by SaharaReporters, the cleric said the police, despite their efforts to combat insecurity, were contributing to growing suspicion and mistrust among Nigerians.
