President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences over the death of Malam Nafiu Baba-Ahmed, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria. According to a statement issued by Tinubu's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Baba-Ahmed passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, October 4, 2026. Tinubu described Baba-Ahmed as a respected administrator and religious leader who dedicated his career to the service of Islam and Nigeria.
Tinubu recalled his long-term association with Baba-Ahmed, particularly in the build-up to the 2011 election and in subsequent years. He noted that Baba-Ahmed provided counsel and support during his 2023 presidential campaign. The President described Baba-Ahmed as an impactful leader who steered the affairs of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria with wisdom, foresight, and a deep commitment to unity, justice, and peaceful coexistence.
The President acknowledged Baba-Ahmed's role in sustaining the council's voice on national issues, fostering greater understanding, and promoting moral renewal and social justice. According to Tinubu, Baba-Ahmed played a pivotal role in promoting the values of moral renewal and social justice. His contributions to the council and the nation will be remembered for years to come.
President Tinubu condoled with the President and members of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, the Baba-Ahmed family, the Kaduna State Government and people, as well as the Nigerian Muslim Ummah, over the loss. He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives Baba-Ahmed's shortcomings, admits him to Jannatul Firdaus, and grants his family and the Muslim Ummah the fortitude to bear this loss.
Malam Nafiu Baba-Ahmed's death has sent shockwaves across the nation, with many Nigerians mourning the loss of the respected religious leader. His contributions to the development of the nation, particularly in the area of promoting Islamic values and social justice, will be greatly missed.
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria has lost a great leader, and the Muslim Ummah has lost a champion of justice and peaceful coexistence. Baba-Ahmed's legacy will continue to inspire many Nigerians, particularly those in the Muslim community. His impact on the nation will be remembered for years to come.
President Tinubu's condolence message is a testament to the high esteem in which Baba-Ahmed was held by the President and the nation. The President's message of condolence is a reflection of the respect and admiration he had for Baba-Ahmed's contributions to the nation.
Key points
- President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of Malam Nafiu Baba-Ahmed, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria.
- Baba-Ahmed died in the early hours of Tuesday, October 4, 2026.
- Tinubu described Baba-Ahmed as a respected administrator and religious leader who dedicated his career to the service of Islam and Nigeria.
