A yet-to-be-identified man has been arrested by the police for deceiving Muslim worshippers and demolishing mosques in Jigawa State.

The man, who was said to have deceived many villagers and communities in Jigawa State, directed demolition and stole roofing zinc from at least 14 mosques in the state.

The police further confirmed that the suspect was arrested at Konake village in Kiyawa Local Government Area of Jigawa State but did not disclose his identity.

Residents of Konake said the suspect paid for the removal of roofing, doors, and windows before he disappeared with the items without a trace.

No fewer than 14 mosques were affected by his deceitful philanthropic gesture of trying to renovate and upgrade the mosques in Taura, Kiyawa, and Jahun Local Government Areas of Jigawa State.

Village head of Konake, Mal. Hussaini Iliyasu, disclosed that the man had earlier told them that an Arab-based NGO would construct new mosque for the villagers hence the demolition of the existing one.

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“After the removal of the roofing, he gathered zinc, windows, doors and borehole and moved them away. He even paid for the carpenter to remove the roof and paid for demolition of outer part of the mosque,” Iliyasu said.

Residents of Konake said they were hinted that he was sighted in a neighbouring village trying to replicate his trick against unsuspecting worshippers, which enabled them informed the police.

Some residents of the affected villages confirmed that they now pray in their houses whenever it rains because of his despicable act on their mosques.

The suspect was, however, expected to appear before a Margistrate Court in Kiyawa Local Government Area of Jigawa State on Thursday.

Spokesman for Jigawa State Margistrates’ Court, Abbas Wangara, said the man is being prosecuted for demolition and stealing properties of the mosques.

The Star