The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has demanded an immediate investigation into the alleged killing of Colonel Abdur-Razaq AbdulKarim Ode, an Igbo Muslim army officer, urging the Federal Government and the Armed Forces to identify and prosecute those responsible.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Prince Bashir Adefaka on behalf of the Sultan’s media team, the monarch — who also serves as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs — condemned what he described as persistent hate speech and hostility directed at minority Igbo Muslims in the South-East, warning that such actions undermine national unity.
The Sultan said the circumstances surrounding the alleged close-range shooting of Colonel Ode at his residence in Abuja must be thoroughly examined. He described the late officer as “a fine military intelligence officer” admired across Muslim and traditional communities, particularly in his home region.
“As Muslims, we continue to act by showing love and encouraging peaceful coexistence, tolerance, unity and restraint as enjoined upon us by Islamic rules, regulations and guidance laid down for us in the Glorious Qur’an,” the Sultan stated.
He emphasized that allowing any Nigerian’s killing to go uninvestigated is unacceptable, especially when the victim is a soldier of the Federal Republic. The Sultan also referenced reported attempts on the lives of the officer’s family members, calling for a comprehensive probe and decisive action by appropriate authorities.
Beyond this specific case, the monarch called for an end to hate speech and attacks targeting minority Muslims and Christians across the country, arguing that such violence erodes efforts at nation-building and peaceful coexistence.
He prayed for Allah to forgive the late Colonel Ode and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
