The Sultanate Council has slammed as fake news a viral social media report alleging that the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, fled Nigeria following a purported United States airstrike in Sokoto.
In a swift rebuttal, the palace said the monarch was never in hiding and never left the country, describing the report as reckless and misleading.
According to a statement issued Friday by Aminu Haliru Gidadawa, Public Relations Officer of the Sultanate Council, the Sultan was publicly present in Maiduguri at a major cultural gathering.
“Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar has attended a cultural summit 2026, tagged ECHOS OF RESILIENCE, HARNESSING CULTURE FOR PEACE AND REGIONAL STABILITY held at Ramat square, Maiduguri, Borno State.”
While at the event, the Sultan praised Borno State Governor Professor Baba Gana Umara Zulum for his visible achievements in restoring peace and development despite security challenges.
He also thanked the governor for his hospitality and wished him continued success.
The Sultan noted that the successful hosting of the Durbar and other cultural displays, attended by thousands, showed that peace and unity had returned to Borno State.
He explained that his presence was rooted in deep historical ties.
Sultan Sa’ad added that, “his attendance was out of brotherhood and solidarity that existed for centuries between the Sokoto caliphate and Kanem Borno Empire, despite cultural diversity that the two States harness as their source of strength and unity.”
The monarch also commended the Shehu of Borno, noting their joint leadership roles in key national Islamic and traditional institutions.
“The monarch also appreciated the support of the Shehu of Borno with whom they together steer the affairs of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Jama’atu Nasril Islam and Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria and wished him many more years of fruitful service to Borno Emirate and humanity.”
The Sultan further acknowledged the presence of foreign delegates from Chad, Niger, Cameroun, Benin, Ghana and Saudi Arabia, wishing them safe journeys home.
In their remarks, Governor Zulum and the Shehu of Borno, Dr Abubakar Umar Garbai Elkanem, thanked the Sultan for attending, stressing that the summit was designed to promote culture as a unifying force for peace and progress.
The event also drew Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, senators, House of Representatives members, and top dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.
