NSA Nuhu Ribadu Debunks Viral Death Reports Regarding His Mother

The Office of the National Security Adviser has moved to clarify a wave of misinformation currently saturating the Nigerian digital space. Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, took to social media and official channels to address a widely circulated report claiming his mother had passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026. The high-ranking security official described the viral news as fundamentally inaccurate and misleading, urging the public to disregard the false narrative that has prompted an outpouring of premature condolences.

The confusion reportedly stemmed from a series of online publications that misinterpreted a family bereavement. In a move to set the record straight and halt the relentless influx of sympathy messages, Ribadu revealed a poignant personal fact: his biological mother actually passed away nearly three decades ago. The NSA noted that his mother of blessed memory transitioned 28 years ago, making the recent reports of her demise not just factually incorrect, but chronologically impossible.

In a detailed clarification, the National Security Adviser identified the deceased family member as Hajja Mamma Sulaiman Ribadu. She was the wife of his late uncle and a respected matriarch within the extended Ribadu family. While the loss is indeed a significant one for the family, the misidentification of the deceased by various media outlets created a whirlwind of confusion for associates and friends of the security chief across the country.

The NSA expressed his sincere gratitude to the numerous friends, colleagues, and political associates who reached out to offer their support during what they believed was a direct personal tragedy. He acknowledged that the volume of calls and messages had become overwhelming, necessitating a public intervention to ensure the facts were properly aligned. Despite the error in the reporting, Ribadu noted that he was deeply touched by the genuine concern shown by Nigerians from all walks of life.

The spread of this misinformation highlights the increasing speed at which unverified news travels in the digital age. For a figure of Ribadu’s stature, personal news often travels faster than official policy, frequently leading to situations where public figures must manage their private legacies in the face of viral rumors. The NSA’s quick response serves as a corrective measure to preserve the memory of his late mother while ensuring the proper person is honored in their passing.

Ribadu offered solemn prayers for the soul of the departed Hajja Mamma Sulaiman Ribadu, asking for divine forgiveness for her shortcomings and seeking her placement in Aljannat Firdaus. He emphasized that the family is currently in a period of mourning for their aunt and late uncle’s wife, and they appreciate the continued prayers and solidarity of the public during this time of grief.

The incident has also sparked discussions among media observers regarding the need for rigorous fact-checking, especially concerning the families of public officials. In the rush to break news, the distinction between a direct parent and an extended family member can often be blurred, leading to the type of “inundation” of calls that Ribadu described. The NSA’s clarification was signed with his initials, “NR,” signaling a personal touch to a statement intended to calm the social media frenzy.

As the news cycle corrects itself, the Ribadu family continues to receive visitors and well-wishers who are coming to pay their respects to the memory of Hajja Mamma Sulaiman Ribadu. The National Security Adviser concluded his statement by praying for blessings upon all those who stood by the family, asking that their kindness be rewarded abundantly. The focus now remains on the actual funeral rites and the celebration of the life of the woman who was a pillar of the extended Ribadu household.

This clarification effectively ends days of speculation and ensures that the legacy of Ribadu’s mother remains respected in its true historical context. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying family lineages before publishing sensitive news regarding the deaths of prominent citizens’ relatives. The NSA’s office remains focused on national duties while the family handles the private matters of the bereavement.