Sokoto Mosque attack: Cleric’s followers reject probe panel, allege bias

Followers of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Musa Lukuwa, have rejected the 14-member committee constituted by the Sokoto State Government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack on the cleric at his Mabera mosque.

They alleged that some members of the committee had previously disagreed with Lukuwa over religious issues and could, therefore, be biased in handling the matter.

Lukuwa was attacked shortly after leading Friday prayers at his mosque in Mabera, Sokoto, last Friday, an incident that heightened tension in the area.

Following the incident, the state government ordered the closure of the mosque and constituted a committee of Islamic scholars to examine the religious issues linked to the controversy.

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The committee, chaired by the Sarkin Malamai, Malam Yahya Na Malam Boyi, was given 14 days to examine the position of Sharia on issues raised by Lukuwa and advise the government accordingly.

Other members include Malam Muhammad Isah Mafara, Malam Bello Na Malam Boyi, Prof. Mansur Ibrahim, Prof. Mansur Ibrahim Sa’id, representatives of Izala from Kaduna and Jos, representatives of the Tijaniyya and Qadiriyya orders, Jama’atu Nasril Islam, the Sultanate Council, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Malam Lawal Maidoki, and Barrister Gandi Umar Muhammad, who serves as secretary.

However, speaking to newsmen on Thursday*,* Lukuwa’s spokesman and senior student, Sheikh Murtala Assada, said the cleric’s followers were not satisfied with the composition of the panel.

Assada alleged that some of those appointed had opposed Lukuwa over his position on moon sighting and a Hadith he quoted during his teachings, which some people interpreted as disrespectful to the parents of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

He said the controversy should be subjected to scholarly examination rather than confrontation.

“If justice is what they want, they should invite the scholars and also invite Sheikh Lukuwa so that they can sit together and discuss the matter.

“This is an issue of knowledge. They should ask him why he quoted the Hadith, where he got it from and which scholars interpreted it in the way he did.

“If he shows them where the Hadith is and identifies the scholars who interpreted it that way, then the matter should end there. But if he cannot provide the sources, then the law can take its course,” he said.

Assada also questioned the closure of Lukuwa’s mosque, arguing that the religious lessons conducted there did not warrant such action.

He accused the state government of taking a position on the controversy before the committee commenced its work.

“Because in the statement it issued, it clearly said it was not in support of any cleric who insults the parents of the Prophet Muhammad.

“You can see from that statement that they have already shown which side they are on, which should not be the case,” he alleged.

The cleric’s spokesman urged the authorities to resolve religious disagreements through dialogue and scholarship.

“Everyone knows that issues concerning creed cannot be resolved through force; they can only be resolved through knowledge.

“Even if the followers of Sheikh Lukuwa are killed one after another, they will not abandon their beliefs. We are ready to sit down with any scholar who rejects this Hadith and resolve the matter,” he said.

The attack on Lukuwa had earlier sparked tension in Mabera after the suspected attacker was reportedly killed by worshippers.

When contacted, the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd.), expressed confidence that the committee would conduct a fair and impartial investigation.

Pressed further on the allegations, he said, “We should wait for the outcome of the committee’s investigation.”

The committee is expected to submit its report to the state government within 14 days.