The Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), Malam Nafiu Baba-Ahmed, has died in Abuja, with President Bola Tinubu, Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi and former Communications Minister Isa Ali Pantami among those who have mourned the prominent Islamic leader.
Baba-Ahmed died in the early hours of Tuesday, October 6, 2026. He was widely recognised for his leadership role in the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria and his involvement in national discussions on justice, unity and peaceful coexistence.
Key Highlights
- Nafiu Baba-Ahmed, SCSN Secretary-General, has died in Abuja.
- Baba-Ahmed died in the early hours of Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
- President Bola Tinubu described him as an impactful leader committed to unity, justice and peaceful coexistence.
- Sheikh Ahmad Gumi described Baba-Ahmed as a bridge-builder who always saw the bigger picture.
- Former Communications Minister Isa Ali Pantami said he devoted the last 26 years of his life to Islam, humanity and justice.
- Funeral prayers were scheduled at the National Mosque in Abuja after the Zuhr prayers.
- Baba-Ahmed served as Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria.
- He was a lawyer and a Member of the National Institute (mni).
- His death has drawn condolences from religious, political and community leaders.
Nafiu Baba-Ahmed Dies in Abuja
Malam Nafiu Baba-Ahmed, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, died in Abuja on Tuesday after years of service to Islam and the country.
The Presidency confirmed his death while expressing condolences to his family, the SCSN, the Government and people of Kaduna State and the wider Muslim community.
President Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Baba-Ahmed as a respected administrator and religious leader who made significant contributions to the affairs of the Shari’ah Council.
The Presidency said Baba-Ahmed steered the Council with wisdom, foresight and a commitment to unity, justice and peaceful coexistence.
Tinubu Mourns SCSN Secretary-General
President Tinubu recalled his longstanding relationship with Baba-Ahmed, particularly during the build-up to the 2011 election and in subsequent years.
The President also acknowledged the late SCSN secretary-general’s counsel and support during his 2023 presidential campaign.
Tinubu said Baba-Ahmed played a pivotal role in sustaining the Council’s voice on national issues while promoting greater understanding, moral renewal and social justice.
The President prayed for Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings and grant him Jannatul Firdaus, while asking God to give the family and Muslim community the strength to bear the loss.
Ahmad Gumi Mourns Nafiu Baba-Ahmed
Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi also mourned the death of Baba-Ahmed in a message posted on his verified Facebook page.
Gumi described the late SCSN official as a bridge-builder and said he would be remembered for his ability to see the bigger picture.
Gumi expressed grief over the death and prayed for Allah to accept Baba-Ahmed’s efforts and forgive his shortcomings.
Pantami Pays Tribute to SCSN Secretary-General
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, also expressed his condolences following Baba-Ahmed’s death.
Pantami described the deceased as a dedicated servant of Islam and humanity, saying he had devoted the last 26 years of his life to service and advocacy for justice.
He prayed for Allah to grant Baba-Ahmed eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus and give his family and loved ones the strength to cope with the loss.
Funeral Prayer Held at National Mosque, Abuja
Funeral prayers for Baba-Ahmed were scheduled for Tuesday at the National Mosque in Abuja immediately after the Zuhr prayers, according to reports announcing his death.
The funeral arrangements followed Islamic rites, with members of the Muslim community and other mourners expected to attend the Janazah prayer.
Reports on the burial arrangements said the deceased was to be buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
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Who Was Nafiu Baba-Ahmed?
Baba-Ahmed was a lawyer, administrator and Islamic affairs advocate who served as Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria.
Available biographical reports state that he was born on June 11, 1956, in Zaria, Kaduna State, and studied law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, graduating in 1978.
He subsequently worked in the banking and financial sectors, including roles associated with UBA, Nigeria Merchant Bank, First Interstate Merchant Bank and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation.
He was also associated with Jaiz Bank as a non-executive director and was a Member of the National Institute (mni) at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.
Baba-Ahmed’s Role in the Shari’ah Council
As Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Baba-Ahmed played a central administrative role in coordinating the Council’s programmes and its engagement with government institutions, the media and other stakeholders.
His position also placed him at the centre of the Council’s interventions on national issues affecting Muslims and wider questions of justice, social responsibility and peaceful coexistence.
The President of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, Sheikh Professor Bashir Aliyu Umar, also issued a condolence message following his death.
Nigeria Mourns SCSN Secretary-General
The death of Nafiu Baba-Ahmed has prompted condolences from political leaders, Islamic scholars and other public figures.
Tinubu’s tribute highlighted his contribution to the Shari’ah Council and national discourse, while Gumi and Pantami focused on his service to Islam, humanity and justice.
Baba-Ahmed’s death marks the loss of a prominent figure who spent decades combining professional, administrative and religious responsibilities in Nigeria.
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