VIRAL VIDEO: Sultan’s Media Team rebukes, warns US commentator, Mac Arnold, against ‘unfounded allegations’
By KEMI KASUMU
“We categorically state that these allegations—particularly those suggesting any form of complicity in violence or terrorism—are baseless, misleading, and unsupported by credible evidence.”
The Media Team of the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has issued a strong warning to American commentator Mac Arnold over what it described as “untruthful and sensational claims” circulating in a viral video.
In a press statement released to the media on Thursday April 16, 2026 and signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka, the media team said it had been monitoring a series of allegations attributed to Arnold, which it believes are designed to attract public attention through unsubstantiated narratives targeting the Sultan and the broader Muslim community in Northern Nigeria.
The statement firmly rejected claims suggesting any link between the Sultan and acts of violence or terrorism, describing such allegations as “baseless, misleading, and unsupported by credible evidence.” It added that similar narratives have surfaced in the past but were widely dismissed as divisive and capable of inciting tension.
According to the statement titled, “VIRAL VIDEO: Desist from spreading untruth against Sultan, Islam and North over terrorism, Mac Arnold warned”, the media team said:
“The attention of the Media Team of Sultan of Sokoto His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni, who is the Leader of the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria, has been drawn to recent video claims and statements made by an American commentator, Mac Arnold.
“For some time, we have observed with restraint a series of allegations and commentaries attributed to the said individual, which appear aimed at drawing public attention through sensational and unsubstantiated claims against the person and office of the Sultan.
“We categorically state that these allegations—particularly those suggesting any form of complicity in violence or terrorism—are baseless, misleading, and unsupported by credible evidence. Similar accusations have previously surfaced in public discourse and have been widely contested and dismissed as divisive narratives capable of inflaming tensions.
“The Sultan of Sokoto remains a respected national and religious leader known for promoting peaceful coexistence, interfaith dialogue, and national unity across Nigeria and globally.
“Accordingly, we find it unnecessary to dignify such claims with further engagement. However, we urge members of the public and the international community to exercise caution, verify information from credible sources, and refrain from amplifying content that may undermine social cohesion.
“We also reaffirm that any material deemed defamatory or capable of inciting discord will be subjected to appropriate legal review, in line with both Nigerian and international laws.
“The Sultanate remains committed to peace, justice, and the unity of Nigeria, and will continue to work with all stakeholders toward these enduring goals,” it said.
