Renowned Islamic scholar and National Chairman of Jama’atul Izalatul Bid’ah Wa Iqamatul Sunnah also known as Izala Society, Sheikh Bala Lau, is alive, a presidential aide says.
An online news platform, Sahara Reporters, had reported that Lau died on Saturday and was buried on Sunday morning according to Islamic rites.
It also claimed that social distancing rule was flouted at the burial.
However, Presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, confirmed on Sunday via a tweet that Lau was alive.
“Just spoke with Sheikh Bala Lau on phone, he is alive, hale and hearty and so bitter about the wicked rumors of his death. What could possibly be Sahara Reporters’ source of the news that Sheikh Lau was dead today and social distancing protocol was violated at his funeral?” he wrote.
Lau, a native of Taraba State, is said to have risen through the ranks to become the group’s leader after becoming its spokesperson at age 19.