Kebbi official apologizes for false claims on homosexuality

The Kebbi State Government has taken disciplinary action against Nasiru Abubakar Kigo, the Permanent Secretary of Cabinet Affairs, following a controversial statement he made during a public lecture in Birnin Kebbi.

During the Ramadan event, Kigo alleged that there were registered gay and lesbian groups operating in Sokoto and Kebbi States, citing figures that have since been debunked as entirely false and without any credible basis.

In response, the Kebbi State Government swiftly suspended Kigo from office and handed the matter over to relevant religious authorities for thorough investigation.

Under the auspices of the Kebbi Council of Ulama, Kigo was summoned to provide proof of his allegation, which he admitted to be entirely false.

The council convened a news briefing in Birnin Kebbi, to allow the Permanent Secretary to unequivocally withdraw the declaration he made, and tender unreserved apology to the governments and people of Sokoto and Kebbi States.

Kigo said, “I Nasiru Abubakar Kigo, have realizes that I made mistake and offended the sensibilities of Muslims in Sokoto and Kebbi States, and in other places, at a Lecture held in Birnin Kebbi, on 15/3/2025, I am highly remorseful, and seek forgiveness for the statistics concerning lesbianism and homosexuality. I have no basis for the statistics; a mistake has been committed, coupled with the negative image therein. I appeal to all those bearing the offensive video clips to delete them permanently.”

The Kebbi State Chairman of the Council of Ulama, Abdulrahman Isa Jega, appealed to members of the Ulama Council, Islamic Clerics, Students, and the public, to watch their tongue in whatever they intend to say, and weigh the merits and consequences of such utterances.”