*Late Mallam Nafiu Baba-Ahmed.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) have mourned the death of Mallam Nafiu Baba-Ahmed, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN).
Baba-Ahmed, who died on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, was 70.
The Sultan, in a condolence message issued through his media team and signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka on Tuesday, described the death as a great loss to Islam, the Muslim Ummah and Nigeria.
He said the deceased left behind a void that would be deeply felt by those who knew him, noting his wisdom, humility and commitment to the service of Allah and humanity.
According to the Sultan, Baba-Ahmed devoted his life to promoting Islamic values, scholarship, unity, peaceful coexistence and the ideals represented by Shari’ah.
He described the deceased as an accomplished professional in the law and banking sectors and a committed leader within the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria.
“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 also recalled Baba-Ahmed’s contributions to Islamic affairs and his efforts to strengthen Islamic institutions, describing him as steadfast, sincere and courageous in the discharge of his responsibilities.
The Sultan commiserated with Baba-Ahmed’s family, the leadership and members of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah, Islamic scholars and organisations, as well as the Nigerian Muslim community.
He urged Muslims to take solace in Allah and continue to pray for the deceased while emulating his devotion, humility and commitment to service.
“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.
Similarly, MURIC expressed condolences to the Supreme Council for Shari’ah and the Muslim Ummah over Baba-Ahmed’s death.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC described the late SCSN scribe as a “famous, influential and highly respected Islamic scholar of our time.”
MURIC said Baba-Ahmed was a “most detribalised Nigerian” who had friends and associates across the country, adding that frankness, fearlessness, justice and fairness were central to his life.
The group said he devoted his life to the service of Islam and humanity and was generous in extending opportunities and privileges to others, even at personal inconvenience.
“MURIC commiserates with the leadership of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) as well as the entire Muslim Ummah. He will be missed by all,” the statement said.
MURIC prayed to Allah to forgive Baba-Ahmed, have mercy on him and admit him into Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
It also prayed for divine comfort and strength for his family to bear the loss.