It will noted that Sahara Reporters had reported (on May 10th) that Sheikh Bala Lau had died and that social distancing guidelines were not adhered to at his funeral. The online news platform had posted pictures and videos of a crowded funeral as evidence that he had died and that social distancing guidelines had not been adhered to. Many Twitter users that responded to the tweet condemned northern Nigerians for disobeying social distancing rules.

However, many people that responded to Sahara Reporters' tweet stated that the video and pictures were old and they accused Sahara Reporters of publishing fake news.

The Sheikh, through his lawyers, has now demanded a compensation of ₦100 Million from Sahara Reporters.

Abdullahi Misilli @Abdallahmisilli

The tweet reads:

Sheikh Abdullahi Balalau, JIBWIS National leader demand N100 Million compensation from

@SaharaReporters, following the false report about his death.

cc: @Realoilsheikh