The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs on Saturday disowned a man with 86 wives and 170 children in Bida, Niger State. Abubakar Bello, had described himself as an Islamic preacher.

The NSCIA’s Secretary-General, Dr. Abdul-Lateef Adegbite, said in a statement made available to Sunday PUNCH by email that the organisation was embarrassed by Abubakar’s comments. He stated that the NSCIA’s President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, was “particularly dismayed at the misleading impression being conveyed by Bello that his licentious conduct was compatible with Islam.”

He said, “The Sultan urged Muslims to ignore Bello Abubakar’s brazen disregard of the Shariah which clearly limits a man to four wives only. His Eminence further advised believers to always guard against innovations that could cause confusion and breach of peace and which may adversely affect the security and well-being of our nation.”

He said the NSCIA was looking into the matter and would make its decision known in due course.

Bello, who also has 170 children, had told the British Broadcasting Corporation that his decision to marry 86 wives had been sanctioned by God? na wao, !