Sultan of Sokoto mourns Mallam Nafiu Baba-Ahmed, describes death as great loss to Islam, Nigeria
By KEMI KASUMU
He recalled Mallam Baba-Ahmed’s contributions to Islamic affairs, his efforts to strengthen Islamic institutions and his steadfastness, sincerity and courage in the discharge of his responsibilities.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, has expressed profound sadness and a deep sense of personal loss over the death of Mallam Nafiu Baba-Ahmed, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria.
Speaking through his media team in a statement signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka dated Tuesday October 6, 2026, the Sultan described Baba-Ahmed’s passing as a painful and irreplaceable loss to the Muslim Ummah, Islam and Nigeria, saying Mallam Baba-Ahmed left a void that would be deeply felt by all who knew and benefited from his wisdom, humility and commitment to the service of Allah and humanity.
His Eminence said the deceased was a dedicated servant of Allah who devoted his life to promoting Islamic values, scholarship, unity, peaceful coexistence and the ideals represented by Shari’ah.
He noted that Mallam Baba-Ahmed was not only an accomplished professional in the law and banking sectors and a leader within the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, but also a man whose life reflected a deep commitment to justice, knowledge, righteousness and the service of the Ummah.
“The death of Mallam Nafiu Baba-Ahmed has deeply touched my heart. Words are inadequate to express the depth of this loss. He was a brother, a committed servant of Allah and a man who dedicated himself to the service of the Ummah. His departure is indeed a great loss,” the Sultan said.
He recalled Mallam Baba-Ahmed’s contributions to Islamic affairs, his efforts to strengthen Islamic institutions and his steadfastness, sincerity and courage in the discharge of his responsibilities.
The Sultan commiserated with his family, the leadership and members of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Islamic scholars and organisations, and the entire Nigerian Muslim community, urging them to take solace in Allah and the legacy of faith, service and good deeds he left behind.
“We belong to Allah and unto Him is our return. We pray that Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgives Mallam Nafiu Baba-Ahmed, rewards his years of service to Islam and grants him Al-Jannatul Firdaus,” he prayed.
The Sultan urged Muslims to continue praying for the deceased and emulate his devotion, humility and commitment to service, praying that Allah makes his grave a garden from the gardens of Paradise, illuminates it with His نور, raises him among the righteous and grants him eternal peace.
He also prayed for the continued peace and unity of the Muslim Ummah and Nigeria, and for Allah to grant the bereaved family, colleagues, associates and the entire Ummah the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
May Allah forgive him, have mercy upon him, grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus and give his family and the entire Ummah the strength to bear this loss. Ameen. He prayed.
