Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called for the regulation of social media in Nigeria, warning that its unrestrained use poses a growing threat to peace, unity, and mutual respect in the country.
Speaking through the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, at the Northern Ulamah Summit on Insecurity and Socioeconomic Challenges organised by the Congregation of Northern Ulamas in Kaduna, the Sultan expressed concern over how social media is increasingly being “misused,” including by some scholars.
He commended Islamic scholars for gathering to discuss issues affecting the Muslim Ummah and national security but decried what he described as a disturbing trend of disrespect and division caused by unregulated online activities.
“Anyone can wake up, pick up their phone, and insult anyone, be it a respected individual, a leader, your neighbour, or even a family member. There are no laws, no consequences, and no one to challenge this behaviour,” the Sultan said. “In other countries, social media is regulated. If someone posts something that causes division or incites unrest, they can be traced and punished. This is how it should be done in our country.”
Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, President of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, also warned that misinformation spread through social media was ‘fueling conflict and distrust, urging citizens to use digital platforms responsibly to help both government and communities address insecurity more effectively.’
Prominent cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi echoed similar concerns, stressing the importance of responsible engagement online. “Part of the problem is social media, where you find many clashes. But one should not exceed boundaries by accusing or defaming others,” he said.
Gumi, however, cautioned against total censorship, calling instead for better enforcement of existing laws. “There are already laws against defamation and false accusations. What we want is for these laws to evolve to match the speed and universality of social media,” he added.
Also speaking, Senator Kawu Samaila of Kano dismissed international claims of religious persecution in Nigeria, stating that “even Christian lawmakers in the Senate have dismissed those allegations, affirming that Muslims and Christians live peacefully in this country.”
He further advised Islamic clerics to verify information before making public statements about political leaders to avoid fueling unnecessary tensions.
