NSA Ribadu Dismisses Reports of Mother’s Death, Says She Died 28 Years Ago
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has dismissed as false and misleading an online report claiming that his mother died on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Ribadu issued the clarification on Tuesday via a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, following a wave of condolence calls and messages from sympathisers who had read the erroneous report.
Several media platforms had earlier published reports announcing the purported death of Mamma Ribadu at the age of 86, describing her as a revered matriarch and the mother of both the National Security Adviser and Sani Ribadu, the Emir of Fufore in Adamawa State.
“I have been inundated with calls and messages from friends and associates following an inaccurate online publication claiming that my mother passed away on Monday, 19 January 2026,” Ribadu stated.
While expressing appreciation for the outpouring of concern from well-wishers, the NSA made clear that the report was factually incorrect, noting that his mother had died nearly three decades ago.
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“The publication is false and misleading. My mother of blessed memory passed away 28 years ago and therefore could not have died on Monday,” he stated categorically.
Ribadu went on to clarify that the individual who actually passed away on Monday was Hajja Mamma Sulaiman Ribadu, the wife of his late uncle. The deceased, he explained, was a member of the extended Ribadu family but not his biological mother.
“The person who passed on Monday is Hajja Mamma Sulaiman Ribadu, the wife of my late uncle. May Allah SWT forgive her shortcomings, bless her soul, and grant her Aljannat Firdaus,” he said in the statement.
The NSA also used the opportunity to thank those who reached out to his family during the period of mourning, praying for divine reward for their compassion and solidarity.
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The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the accuracy and verification of information published on digital platforms, particularly regarding sensitive personal matters involving public figures. Misinformation of this nature can cause unnecessary distress to families and confusion among the public.
Nuhu Ribadu, a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was appointed National Security Adviser by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023. He hails from Adamawa State in northeastern Nigeria and comes from a prominent family with deep roots in traditional and political leadership in the region.