The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has dismissed reports circulating online that his mother died on Monday, describing the information as false and misleading.
Ribadu clarified the situation in a statement shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, following an outpouring of calls and messages from sympathisers.
According to the NSA, the report wrongly claimed that his mother, popularly referred to as Mamma Ribadu, passed away at the age of 86.
“I have received numerous calls and messages from friends and associates following an inaccurate online publication alleging that my mother passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026,” Ribadu said.
He explained that the report was incorrect, stressing that his mother had died several decades ago.
“The publication is false and misleading. My mother, of blessed memory, passed away 28 years ago and therefore could not have died on Monday,” he stated.
Ribadu further clarified that the individual who died on Monday was a different family member.
“The person who passed away on Monday is Hajja Mamma Sulaiman Ribadu, the wife of my late uncle,” he said. “May Allah forgive her shortcomings, grant her eternal rest, and admit her into Aljannat Firdaus.”
While appreciating those who reached out to him in sympathy, the NSA expressed gratitude for the concern shown to his family during the loss.
“I sincerely appreciate everyone who stood by us with prayers and kind messages. May Allah reward you all abundantly,” Ribadu added.
The clarification followed widespread circulation of the erroneous report on social media and some online platforms, which had announced the purported death of Ribadu’s mother.
