The Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Professor (Sheikh) Ibrahim Maqari, has dismissed claims circulating on social media that he has been appointed as an Imam of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah.
In a statement, Sheikh Maqari described the reports as a case of mistaken identity or, at best, “a positive and optimistic hope from well-wishers.”
Several blogs had published the story with his picture, claiming that “Professor Sheikh Ibrahim Makarfi has been appointed the Imam of Masjid Haram, Mecca, making him the first black African to attain the post.”
However, investigations revealed that the report confused two different individuals. The Imam of the National Mosque is Sheikh Ibrahim Maqari, not Sheikh Ibrahim Makarfi as reported.
Our team also confirmed Sheikh Maqari’s presence at the National Mosque in Abuja on Friday, where he delivered the Khutbah, with no mention or indication of such an appointment.
