Mallam Nafiu Baba-Ahmed, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN), has died, with former Communications Minister Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami confirming the news on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Pantami, in a condolence message on his verified X account, described Baba-Ahmed as a dedicated servant of Islam who spent the last 26 years of his life advocating for justice and humanity.
Pantami Announces Death of Islamic Scholar
Pantami, who served as Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, broke the news through a heartfelt post, expressing deep sorrow while affirming submission to the will of God. He wrote: "With heavy hearts but with total submission to the will of Allah, we mourn the passing of Mallam Nafiu Baba-Ahmed, Esq., who served as the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN)."
The former minister paid tribute to Baba-Ahmed's decades of service, noting that he devoted the final chapter of his life to causes bigger than himself. "He dedicated the last 26 years of his life to the service of Islam and humanity, advocating for justice for all," Pantami said.
Pantami Mourns: 'The Heart Is Saddened'
Pantami conveyed the grief felt by those who knew Baba-Ahmed closely, saying his departure had left a deep wound. "The eyes shed tears and the heart is saddened, but we say nothing except that which pleases our Lord. Indeed, O Mallam Nafiu, we are bereaved by your departure," he added.
He closed his message with a prayer, asking God to grant Baba-Ahmed a place in the highest level of paradise. "May Allah admit him into Jannatul Firdaus together with our departed parents and loved ones," Pantami wrote.
Zailani Reacts to Baba-Ahmed's Death
Yusuf Ibrahim Zailani, a former Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, also expressed deep sadness over the passing. His statement partly read: "Nigeria has truly lost one of her great sons and patriots. Baba was an elder whose life was marked by service, wisdom and concern for the progress of our people. His death is a great loss to his family, Kaduna State and the entire nation."
Zailani extended heartfelt condolences to the Baba Ahmed family, his relatives, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him, as shared on his Facebook page.
Sheikh Gbajabiamila Also Dies
Earlier, Legit.ng reported the death of Sheikh Imam Tijani Olubodun Gbajabiamila, the Olori Ratibi of Lagos. Sheikh Gbajabiamila breathed his last at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). His son, Ibikunle Lateef, broke the news on his Facebook page, confirming the death of the renowned Islamic cleric. The late Sheikh was buried at the Iponri Central Mosque, in line with Islamic burial rites.
