The media team of the Sultan of Sokoto has dismissed as false a viral social media post alleging that Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, was seen worshipping the Sultan, describing the claim as misleading, divisive, and potentially dangerous.
The team, in a press statement signed by Bashir Adefaka on behalf of the Media Team of the Sultan of Sokoto and dated Sunday, April 12, 2026 and issued on Sunday, said it had been alerted to the circulation of a post titled “Leaked photo of Governor Hyacinth Alia worshipping the Sultan of Sokoto,” which has been widely shared across WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms.
According to the statement, the image accompanying the claim is fake and likely generated using artificial intelligence, with the intent to misinform the public and stoke religious and ethnic tensions, particularly in the context of the ongoing security challenges in Benue State.
“The image in question is fake, likely AI-generated, and deliberately crafted to misinform the public,” the statement read. “It is also a mischievous and dangerous attempt to associate the revered leadership of Muslims in Nigeria, particularly the Sultan of Sokoto, with issues unrelated to his office or person.”
The Media Team further condemned the narrative surrounding the image, noting that it falsely insinuates religious bias and attempts to link the Sultan to the crisis in Benue State. It warned that such claims are baseless and capable of undermining national unity and peaceful coexistence.
Highlighting the Sultan’s longstanding role in promoting interfaith harmony, the statement noted that, for nearly two decades, he has consistently championed peace, dialogue, and national cohesion. It stressed that attempts to tarnish this legacy through fabricated content should be rejected by all well-meaning Nigerians.
The statement also raised concerns about a pattern of disinformation being propagated by certain individuals on social media, warning that such actions risk worsening existing tensions and destabilising the country’s already fragile security environment.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Sultan of Sokoto does not appear in the manner depicted in the circulated image whatsoever,” the statement added. “Furthermore, Islamic teachings clearly establish that prostration is an act of worship reserved solely for Almighty Allah, making the claims not only false but fundamentally inconsistent with the Sultan’s faith and principles.”
The Media Team called on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to take decisive action against those responsible for spreading disinformation and inciting division, adding that some individuals involved would soon be profiled for further action.
It also urged religious and community leaders across the country to encourage responsible communication among their followers, especially on social media platforms.
“The Media Team remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster peace, mutual respect, and national unity,” the statement concluded.
