Claim: The Sultan of Sokoto is dead
Source: WhatsApp
Verdict: False
A message alleging the death of the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar went viral on WhatsApp days ago. The message that had been marked ‘forwarded many times’ showing its virality said the Sultan had died in London citing penis infection.
The link to the supposed full story was not to a known news website and when one clicked it incognito, it led to a betting site.
Fact-Check
Hours after the message started on WhatsApp, it made its way to some other social media platforms like X and Facebook.
Iqra Today scoured most trusted news websites in Nigeria and did not see any such news item.
The Sokoto Sultanate Council in an October 29, 2024 statement from its Public Relations Unit also dismissed the viral message stating that it “is nothing but fake and unfounded,” adding that “it is being circulated by unscrupulous elements to achieve their mischievous intentions to create fear and worry in the minds of the general public.”
It clarified further that the Sultan had even not travelled and was in country “currently attending official functions in Kaduna.”
In a statement, MPAC said in part, “We wish to notify the Ummah and address recent unfounded rumors concerning the supposed passing of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III. We unequivocally affirm that, Alhamdulillah, the Sultan is alive, in good health, and fully engaged in his esteemed responsibilities as a spiritual guide to millions in Nigeria and beyond.”
Verdict:
The claim that the Sultan of Sokoto is dead is false!
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