The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the source of the false rumour of the death of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
The group, which also called on the police to prosecute those behind the diabolical mission, made the call in a statement issued by the Founder and Executive Director of the organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to a false rumour of the death of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, which broke out yesterday, Tuesday, 29th October, 2024.
“The rumour spread like wild fire, creating tension, fear and suspicion in the hearts of millions of Muslims in the country as well as those of the Sultan’s friends and well-wishers.
“We strongly condemn this development. It is saddistic, diabolical, malicious and luciferous. The enormity of the false rumour is better realized when viewed against the backdrop of the twin status of the Sultan and his revered position in the society.
“Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar is not only the Sultan of Sokoto, he is also the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) which is the umbrella organization for all Islamic associations in Nigeria. Whatever is said about him does not affect Sokoto State alone. It affects all Muslims in Nigeria.
“That is why those who spread news about people like him should weigh the gravity of their information and exercise caution. It is crystal clear, however, that those behind this satanic rumour have thrown caution to the winds. It is reckless, thoughtless and absolutely irresponsible.
“We therefore call on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the source of the false rumour of the death of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar. Those found culpable should be made to face the law.
“This is necessary in the interest of law, order and good governance. Innocent Nigerians will continue to fall victims of cyber stalking until the security agencies start holding culprits accountable for their criminal activities.”
Earlier, a Senior Counselor in the Sultanate Council and Sa’in Kilgori, Dr. Muhammadu Jabbi Kilgori, had urged the public to disregard the malicious rumours making rounds in the social media about the Sultan of Sokoto.
Frowning at what he described as an ‘unfortunate development’, Dr Kilgori said; “It is a fake news by some unscrupulous elements. We don’t know their motive. We don’t know what they want to achieve by fake news against the Sultan.
The Senior Counselor, who was responding to enquiries from some reporters, further said; “The Sultan is hale and hearty. I am right now with him. In fact, we just left Kaduna for Abuja where the Sultan is having another official engagement.
“Let the general republic disregard this story because it is not true”
Also denying rumours, the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria, described the information as false.
Speaking through its Executive Chairman, Mallam Disu Kamor, MPAC said the Sultan is alive, in good health, and fully engaged in his esteemed responsibilities as a spiritual guide to millions in Nigeria and beyond.
