The Permanent Secretary of Cabinet Affairs in Kebbi State, Nasiru Abubakar Kigo, has issued a public apology after admitting to making unfounded claims about the presence of gay and lesbian groups in Sokoto and Kebbi States.
According to The PUNCH, Kigo, who made the remarks during a Ramadan lecture in Birnin Kebbi, had cited what he called “statistics” to back his assertions.
However, subsequent investigations revealed that the figures were fabricated, triggering backlash and prompting swift disciplinary measures from the state government.
As a consequence, the Kebbi State Government suspended Kigo and handed him over to the State Council of Ulama for further investigation.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi, Kigo, visibly remorseful, admitted to making the claims without any factual basis.
“I have come to realize the gravity of what I said. There was no evidence backing those figures. I deeply regret any pain my statements may have caused to the Muslim community in Sokoto, Kebbi, and beyond,” he said.
“I take full responsibility and I’m asking for forgiveness from the ummah and all those affected.”
Kigo also urged the public to stop circulating videos of his controversial remarks, saying, “Please, I appeal to everyone sharing those clips to take them down to avoid further harm.”
Responding to the development, Chairman of the Kebbi State Council of Ulama, Sheikh Abdurrahman Isa Jega, acknowledged Kigo’s apology but stressed the importance of responsible speech.
“Kigo has admitted his error, and we have cautioned him,” Sheikh Jega said. “This incident is a wake-up call to public officials and scholars. We must all be careful with our words, especially on matters as sensitive as this.”
Also weighing in, the Chairman of the Kebbi State Zakkat, Sadaqat and Waqf Board, Sheikh Umar Isa Magaji, emphasized that the Council’s intervention was crucial given the potential impact of the false statements.
“What was said had implications that extended beyond Sokoto and Kebbi. The misinformation risked damaging the image of the wider Muslim community, and that’s why urgent action was necessary,” he stated.
