Followers of Islamic cleric Sheikh Musa Lukuwa have rejected the 14-member committee set up by the Sokoto State Government to investigate the attack on him at his Mabera mosque.
The followers alleged that some members of the panel had previously disagreed with Lukuwa on religious matters and could therefore be biased in handling the investigation.
Lukuwa was attacked shortly after leading Friday prayers at the mosque in Mabera last Friday, an incident that heightened tensions in the area. Following the attack, the state government ordered the closure of the mosque and established a committee of Islamic scholars to examine the religious issues behind the controversy.
The committee, chaired by the Sarkin Malamai, Malam Yahya Na Malam Boyi, has 14 days to examine the position of Sharia on issues raised by Lukuwa and advise the government. Its membership includes Islamic scholars and representatives of Izala, Tijaniyya, Qadiriyya, Jama’atu Nasril Islam and the Sultanate Council. The Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Malam Lawal Maidoki, and Barrister Gandi Umar Muhammad, who serves as secretary, are also members.
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Dissatisfaction With Panel’s Composition
However, Lukuwa’s spokesman and senior student, Sheikh Murtala Assada, told journalists on Thursday that the cleric’s followers were dissatisfied with the panel’s composition.
Assada alleged that some appointees had opposed Lukuwa over his views on moon sighting and a Hadith he quoted during his teachings. The Hadith was interpreted by some people as disrespectful to the parents of Prophet Muhammad. He argued that the dispute should be addressed through scholarly examination rather than confrontation.
Assada said scholars should invite Lukuwa to explain the source and interpretation of the Hadith before any legal action is considered. He also questioned the decision to close the mosque, arguing that the lessons held there did not justify the action. Speaking further, he alleged that the government had taken a position on the controversy before the committee began its work. He cited a government statement condemning insults against the parents of Prophet Muhammad as evidence.
