The Permanent Secretary of Cabinet Affairs in Kebbi State, Nasiru Abubakar Kigo, has publicly retracted an earlier statement he made about the existence of registered gay and lesbian groups in Sokoto and Kebbi States.
He admitted that the claims were baseless.
Kigo made the controversial remarks during a public lecture in Birnin Kebbi during Ramadan, where he cited inaccurate statistics regarding homosegxwality and Lesbianism.
Following public outcry and further investigation, it was determined that his claims lacked any factual foundation.
In response, the Kebbi State Government suspended Kigo and referred the matter to relevant religious authorities for further scrutiny.
The Kebbi State Council of Ulama summoned him for clarification, after which he admitted to fabricating the statistics.
At a press briefing organized by the Council in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday, Kigo formally withdrew his statement and issued an unreserved 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. I urge anyone in possession of the offensive video clips to delete them permanently.”
The Chairman of the Council of Ulama, Sheikh Abdurrahman Isa Jega, confirmed Kigo’s admission and urged public figures to weigh their words carefully.
“Nasiru Abubakar Kigo is a member of our Council. He has admitted his error and apologized,” Sheikh Jega said.
“I appeal to all Ulama, clerics, students, and the general public to consider the consequences of their statements before speaking.
On behalf of the Council, I also tender an apology to the governments and people of Sokoto and Kebbi States, and to the entire Muslim Ummah.”
Also addressing the press, the Chairman of the Kebbi State Zakkat, Sadaqat and Waqf Board, Sheikh Umar Isa Magaji, stated that the Council had conducted a thorough investigation into the incident.
“The Council acted swiftly in line with Islamic principles.
According to the teachings of Umar bin Khattab (RA), a Muslim who makes a mistake must promptly correct it,” Sheikh Magaji said.
“Kigo’s statement affected not only Sokoto and Kebbi but the entire Muslim community. That’s why the Council presented him before the public to set the record straight.”
