Sultan of Sokoto demands immediate investigation into alleged assassination of Igbo Muslim Army officer
*Wants end to hate, bad mouthing against minority Muslim, Christian anywhere
“Allowing the unlawful killing of any Nigerian without uncovering the truth and bringing those responsible to justice does not reflect the standards of a serious nation. This is even more disturbing when the victim is a serving officer of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The circumstances surrounding this killing, as well as the reported attempt on the lives of members of his family, must be thoroughly investigated, and the appropriate authorities must ensure that justice is served.”
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, has described the persistent hate speech and hostility reportedly directed at minority Igbo Muslims in South-East Nigeria as a disturbing development that undermines efforts at national unity and nation-building.
The Co-President of Religions for Peace, headquartered in New York, made the remarks while reacting to the recent alleged assassination of Nigeria’s most senior Igbo Muslim Army officer, who was reportedly killed at his residence in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The position of the Sultan, a retired Army General, was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, and signed on behalf of the Sultan of Sokoto’s Media Team by Prince Bashir Adefaka.
The Sultan said: “As Muslims, we shall continue to demonstrate love, promote peaceful coexistence, tolerance, unity and restraint, as enjoined by the teachings of Islam and the guidance contained in the Glorious Qur’an.
“For this reason, the Federal Government and the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria must work together to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged close-range shooting of Colonel Abdur-Razaq AbdulKarim Ude, a distinguished military intelligence officer of whom both the Muslim Ummah and his traditional community, particularly in his region of origin, were immensely proud.
“Allowing the unlawful killing of any Nigerian without uncovering the truth and bringing those responsible to justice does not reflect the standards of a serious nation. This is even more disturbing when the victim is a serving officer of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The circumstances surrounding this killing, as well as the reported attempt on the lives of members of his family, must be thoroughly investigated, and the appropriate authorities must ensure that justice is served.”
The Sultan also prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the late Colonel Abdur-Razaq AbdulKarim Ude, grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and comfort his family, loved ones and colleagues. Ameen.
