The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has dismissed as false an online report claiming that his mother died on Monday. He described the report as inaccurate and misleading, saying it caused confusion and emotional stress for his family and associates.
Ribadu clarified the situation in a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday. He said he was forced to speak out after receiving numerous phone calls and messages from friends, colleagues, and well-wishers who believed the report and reached out to sympathise with him.
The clarification followed reports circulating on some online platforms which announced the supposed death of Mama Ribadu at the age of 86. The reports described her as a respected matriarch and the mother of both the National Security Adviser and Sani Ribadu, the Emir of Fufore in Adamawa State.
Reacting to the development, Ribadu explained that the information was completely wrong and did not reflect the truth. He expressed surprise that such a sensitive issue could be wrongly reported and shared widely without proper verification.
“I have been inundated with calls and messages from friends and associates following an inaccurate online publication claiming that my mother passed away on Monday, 19 January 2026,” Ribadu said in his statement.
While thanking those who reached out to him with messages of sympathy and concern, the NSA made it clear that his mother did not die on the said date. He explained that his mother had passed away many years ago and therefore could not have died again as reported.
“The publication is false and misleading. My mother of blessed memory passed away 28 years ago and therefore could not have died on Monday,” Ribadu stated.
He went further to explain that the person who actually died on Monday was a different member of his extended family. According to him, the deceased was Hajja Mamma Sulaiman Ribadu, who was the wife of his late uncle.
“The person who passed on Monday is Hajja Mamma Sulaiman Ribadu, the wife of my late uncle,” he said.
Ribadu offered prayers for the deceased, asking God to forgive her shortcomings and grant her eternal rest. “May Allah SWT forgive her shortcomings, bless her soul, and grant her Aljannat Firdaus,” he added.
The false report quickly spread online, highlighting once again the problem of unverified information and misinformation on social media and some online news platforms. In recent years, public figures in Nigeria have often had to come out to deny fake reports about their health, death, or that of their family members.
The incident also shows how quickly false information can spread in the age of social media. Within hours of the report being published, many people had already shared it and sent condolence messages, believing it to be true.
Ribadu’s response helped to clear the confusion and set the record straight. He expressed appreciation to those who showed concern and stood by his family during the actual loss of their relative.
“I appreciate everyone who reached out and stood by our family during this period. May Allah reward you all for your kindness and prayers,” he said.
Nuhu Ribadu is a well-known public figure in Nigeria. He served as the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and is currently the National Security Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is widely respected for his role in Nigeria’s anti-corruption and security efforts.
His brother, Sani Ribadu, is the Emir of Fufore in Adamawa State, making the Ribadu family prominent both in public service and traditional leadership.
The false report about Ribadu’s mother has renewed calls for responsible journalism and ethical use of social media in Nigeria. Observers say the media must balance speed with accuracy, especially when reporting on personal and family matters of public officials.
As the story continues to generate discussion, Ribadu’s clarification has put the matter to rest, confirming that his mother died 28 years ago and that the recent death involved another family member.