The Sokoto Jihad began in the year 1804. This was a religious and political movement led by Usman dan Fodio, a Fulani Islamic scholar and preacher in what is now northern Nigeria. The aim of the movement was to establish a caliphate based on Islamic law, and to overthrow the existing rulers who were seen as corrupt and unjust. The jihad was successful, and the Sokoto Caliphate was established in 1809, with Usman dan Fodio as the first caliph. The Sokoto Caliphate continued to exist until it was abolished by the British colonial authorities in 1903.