Joseph Atule put the Kano side ahead from the penalty spot in the 34th minute. Sodiq equalised for the hosts around the hour mark.
Barau have 12 points from six matches: three wins, three draws and no defeats. They went into the game as leaders after beating Abia Warriors 2-0 in midweek. Sporting Lagos arrived on the back of a 3-2 win over Enyimba.
The visitors took the lead after Stanley Oganbor was fouled in the box. Atule converted. Sporting had an earlier effort ruled out for offside. After the break they levelled when Sodiq finished following a scramble involving Aliyu Baba and Barau goalkeeper Emeka Nwabulu.
Barau are one of four unbeaten sides, alongside Rangers, Doma United and Rivers United. The club, owned by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, have been the surprise of the early season.
Next, Barau host Nasarawa United. Sporting Lagos face Ikorodu City in a Lagos derby. The Maliya Boys leave Onikan still top and still without a league defeat.