The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has dismissed as “baseless” and “misleading” recent allegations made by American commentator Mike Arnold, who claimed the Sultan was complicit in violence and terrorism.

In a statement, the Sultan’s media team described Arnold’s claims as “sensational and unsubstantiated” and noted that similar accusations have been previously dismissed as “divisive narratives capable of inflaming tensions”.

“We categorically state that these allegations are baseless, misleading, and unsupported by credible evidence,” the statement read. “The Sultan of Sokoto remains a respected national and religious leader known for promoting peaceful coexistence, interfaith dialogue, and national unity across Nigeria and globally.”

The statement urged the public and international community to “exercise caution, verify information from credible sources, and refrain from amplifying content that may undermine social cohesion”.

“We also reaffirm that any material deemed defamatory or capable of inciting discord will be subjected to appropriate legal review, in line with both Nigerian and international laws,” the statement added.