Dasuki laid to rest in Sokoto

• Buhari, Saraki extol ruler’s virtues

The remains of the 18th Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki, were laid to rest yesterday.

He was buried at the Hubbaren (tomb) Shehu, Sokoto.

The Chief Imam of Sultan Bello Juma’at Mosque, Alhaji Usman Bello, led the funeral prayer.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami and other notable Nigerians attended the event.

President Buhari, meanwhile, has extended condolences to the Dasuki family, the government and people of Sokoto State.

The President said Dasuki, who died on Monday, would be remembered for his role in the creation of the present local government system in the country.

Senate President Bukola Saraki described the late Sultan as a statesman whose impact was felt in many areas of national life.

The Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Danbazzau, yesterday refuted claims that the Federal Government denied detained former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki opportunity to visit and care for his late father, the Sultan.

The former NSA rebuffed the opportunity, according to Danbazzau.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, shortly after the ruler was buried, Danbazzau said the Federal Government had granted the former NSA a window to visit his ailing father, and that even when the older Dasuki died, he had also been given a three-day opportunity.