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From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi
Nasiru Abubakar Kigo, Permanent Secretary for Cabinet Affairs in Kebbi State, has withdrawn a controversial statement he made about homosexuality and lesbianism in Sokoto and Kebbi States. During a Ramadan public lecture in Birnin Kebbi, Kigo had claimed there were registered gay and lesbian groups in the two states, citing inaccurate statistics. Subsequent investigations proved these claims baseless.
Following the uproar, the Kebbi State Government suspended Kigo and handed the matter to religious authorities for review. The Kebbi State Council of Ulama summoned him, and he admitted his statement lacked evidence. At a press briefing on Sunday, 6 April 2025, organized by the Council in Birnin Kebbi, Kigo publicly retracted his remarks and offered a heartfelt apology.
“I, Nasiru Abubakar Kigo, acknowledge that I made a mistake and offended the sensibilities of Muslims in Sokoto, Kebbi, and beyond,” he said. “I am deeply remorseful and seek forgiveness for the false statistics I presented regarding homosexuality and lesbianism. I urge anyone in possession of the offensive video clips to delete them permanently.”
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Sheikh Abdurrahman Isa Jega, Chairman of the Kebbi State Council of Ulama, emphasized the Islamic duty to correct errors, citing Qur’anic verses and Hadith. “Nasiru Abubakar Kigo is a member of our Council. He has admitted his error and apologized,” Jega said. “I appeal to all Ulama, clerics, students, and the general public to weigh their words carefully and consider the consequences before speaking.”
“As Chairman, I also tender an apology on behalf of the Council to the governments and people of Sokoto and Kebbi States, and to the entire Muslim Ummah,” he added.
Sheikh Umar Isa Magaji, Chairman of the Kebbi State Zakkat, Sadaqat, and Waqf Board, confirmed the Council’s probe found Kigo’s claims groundless. “The Council acted swiftly to correct the narrative, in line with Islamic principles. According to the teachings of Umar bin Khattab (RA), a Muslim who makes a mistake must promptly correct it,” he said.
