Sokoto sets up committee to investigate cleric’s controversial remarks against Prophet Muhammad

The Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, has constituted a 14-member Advisory Committee to investigate controversies arising from recent utterances by some Islamic scholars in the state.

The committee was announced by the governor’s spokesperson, Abubakar Bawa, in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The panel, chaired by Yahaya Boyi, is charged with examining the legal and religious implications of the issues raised by Musa Lukuwa, allegedly considered disrespectful to a religious creed.

The appointment of the committee followed concern over public statements that have heightened religious tension across the state.

According to its terms of reference, the committee is mandated to: critically examine the position of the Shari’ah on the issues raised by Mr Lukuwa and advise the Government accordingly.

It is expected to submit its report and recommendations to the state government within 14 days.

The committee brings together prominent clerics, legal minds, key government officials, and representatives from major Islamic organisations and sects within and outside the state to thoroughly investigate the controversial comments.

Members of the Advisory Committee include:

Yahaya na Malam Boyi (Sarkin Malamai) – Chairman

Muhammad Isah Mafara – Member
Bello na Malam Boyi – Member
Mansur Ibrahim, mni – Member
Mansur Ibrahim Sa’id – Member
Representative, Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatas Sunnah (Izala), Kaduna – Member
Representative, Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatas Sunnah (Izala), Jos – Member
Representative, Tijjaniyyah Movement – Member
Representative, Qadiriyyah Movement – Member
Representative, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) Member
Representative, Sultanate Council of Sokoto – Member
Hon. Commissioner for Religious Affairs – Member
Lawal Maidoki – Member
Barr. Gandi Umar Muhammad, mni – Secretary

The incident

Mr Lukuwa was stabbed in the neck on Friday at his mosque in Mabera, in Sokoto’s metropolis.

The violent attack followed weeks of heightened tension over controversial public statements and remarks he made, which critics alleged were blasphemous or disrespectful to Prophet Muhammad’s parents

The stabbing triggered a mob reaction at the scene, resulting in the death of the attacker. The state government closed the mosque and subsequently formed a 14-member advisory panel to restore order.

Mr Lukuwa reportedly sustained injuries in the attack and was rushed to a hospital, where he was treated and discharged on Friday.

The development reportedly triggered a violent reaction from some followers of Mr Lukuwa and rival Islamic sects in the state.