Activist Abubakar Sokoto passes away
Veteran Nigerian activist Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed has died, prompting tributes from colleagues, friends, and civil society figures across the country. Sokoto, who passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025, was widely recognised for his dedication to human rights, social justice, and pan-African solidarity. He served as the chair of the Nigerian anti-apartheid platform Youth Solidarity on South Africa (YUSSAN) and was also formerly head of the publications section at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Jos, Plateau State.
Sokoto’s work extended to academia and activism, including involvement with the Department of Sociology at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, where he influenced young minds and contributed to intellectual discourse on social transformation in Nigeria and beyond. His advocacy and leadership earned him respect among activists and scholars alike, both locally and internationally.
Tributes have poured in since news of his death emerged, with friends recalling his deep commitment to progressive causes and his role in shaping critical dialogues about social policy, justice, and Africa’s future. A close associate described his passing as a significant loss to the activist community, noting that Sokoto remained engaged and intellectually active until his final days.
His family has confirmed that he has been buried, and details of any memorial or official public tributes are expected to be shared by organisations he was affiliated with in the coming days.
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