Controversy Explodes – Sultan Of Sokoto Accused By Ex-US Mayor Of Colluding In Christian Killings

A former Mayor of Blanco City in Texas, United States, Mike Arnold, has challenged the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, to present evidence proving he is not complicit in what he described as a “jihad genocide” and widespread killings in northern Nigeria.

Arnold, who also serves as the founder of Africa Arise International, made the allegations in a series of social media posts accusing the Sultan of playing a role in the ongoing violence and resource exploitation across parts of the North.

However, the Sultanate Council of Sokoto dismissed the accusations as baseless and unworthy of a response, saying the monarch would not dignify such “reckless claims” with a reply.

Speaking with Punch, Arnold insisted that available data and security reports suggest the Sultan cannot be entirely absolved of responsibility for violent attacks in northern Nigeria, especially those targeting Christian communities.

He said:

“The evidence points to an intelligent designer behind this diabolical machinery of jihad, genocide, conquest, displacement, and resource extraction. The Sultan must be investigated to determine whether he is complicit or innocent. I am not declaring him guilty — only a prime suspect based on existing evidence.”

The former Mayor further alleged that the Sultan had failed to act against the looting of Nigeria’s mineral resources, claiming,

“The Nigerian government estimates that about $9 billion worth of minerals are stolen annually from his hereditary domain. Why hasn’t he intervened? He commands great influence and could stop it if he chose to.”

Arnold also accused the Sultan of maintaining silence over the activities of militant Fulani groups while recalling that he once issued a fatwa against Boko Haram after the group challenged his authority.

“More than 7,000 Christians have been massacred this year in his territory. If, as he once said, no killing happens without traditional rulers knowing about it, then he knows more than anyone else,” Arnold added.

In response, the Secretary of the Sultanate Council, Alhaji Saidu Maccido, said the Sultan would not lower himself to engage with such inflammatory allegations, noting that both the Federal Government and the Nigerian Senate had already addressed the matter.

“The Sultan will not dignify such baseless claims. The Federal Government has responded, and the Senate has also passed a resolution on it. Repeating ourselves would only give relevance to those spreading division,” Maccido said.

He reaffirmed the Sultanate’s commitment to peace, unity, and national stability, urging Nigerians to disregard attempts to incite religious tension.

“The Sultanate Council remains dedicated to promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and truth. We will not be distracted by unfounded accusations,” he concluded.