Sokoto Man Who Converted to Christianity Due to Banditry Reverts to Islam After Community Intervention

Musa Abubakar, a native of Sokoto State, has publicly reverted to Islam after renouncing his faith due to the effects of banditry. Abubakar, originally from Sabon Birni Local Government Area, had been forced to flee his home due to escalating violence in his community, relocating to Taraba State. While in Taraba, he converted to Christianity and convinced two of his three wives to join him in his new faith.

However, his conversion was met with strong criticism, even from within his own community. This led to the intervention of prominent figures in Sokoto, including Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, who established a committee of religious leaders to address the situation. The committee, which included notable figures like the Grand Khadi of Sokoto, Malam Ahmad Umar Helele, and Sarkin Malamai, Malam Yahya Na-Malam Boyi, met with Abubakar to understand his reasons for the conversion.

According to Malam Bashir Gidan Kanawa, who served as the committee’s secretary, Abubakar’s decision stemmed from a lack of religious knowledge and the emotional toll caused by the devastation of banditry. Struggling with unemployment and the hardships brought on by the violence, he was lured into Christianity by financial support.

Abubakar expressed regret over his actions, stating that he had now returned to Islam, alongside his family, due to the support and intervention of his relatives, community, and religious leaders. He promised to dedicate his life to Islam and to stay in Sokoto, where he plans to start a new business.

His elder brother, Alhaji Adamu Sabon Birni, shared his own experience with banditry, recounting the tragic death of their father at the hands of bandits, who extorted millions of Naira from the family. Despite this, he emphasized that banditry does not justify abandoning one’s faith, as it affects communities across the North. He expressed relief that his brother had acknowledged his mistake and returned to Islam.

Abubakar’s wives also pledged their support for his decision to stay in Sokoto and uphold Islam.