A Sokoto-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Musa Lukuwa, yesterday, led his followers in observing Eid-el-Fitr prayers in defiance of a directive issued by Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, who had declared Friday as the official Sallah day.

Lukuwa conducted the two-unit Eid supplication at his Mabera mosque at about 9:10 a.m., hours after the Sultan announced that the Shawwal crescent moon had not been sighted anywhere in Nigeria, thereby extending the Ramadan fast by a day.

In a message circulated on social media, the cleric justified his decision, citing confirmed reports of moon sightings in neighbouring Niger Republic.

Providing historical context, Lukuwa referenced the era of Abubakar Mahmoud Gummi, when prominent scholars independently announced moon sightings before the responsibility was centralised under the Sultan to ensure unity among Muslims.

He maintained that the Sultan’s decision on this occasion was incorrect.

In Nigeria, the Sultan of Sokoto, who also serves as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, is the recognised authority for declaring the commencement and end of Ramadan based on verified moon sightings across the country.
MEANWHILE, Borno Police Command has restricted tricycles’ movement during the two-day Sallah celebration across the state.

According to the command, the restriction is to ensure a hitch-free and peaceful Eid-el-Fitr festivity that marks the successful completion of the 30-day Ramadan fast.

The restriction was announced yesterday in Maiduguri via a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Nahum Daso.

He said: “The police’s constitutional mandate was to protect lives and property,” adding that the command has emplaced a comprehensive security architecture to ensure a peaceful, safe, and hitch-free Eid celebration in the state.

He added that the directive was aimed at enhancing security coordination, easing crowd management, and preventing any potential security threat to the public.

The Commissioner of Police, Naziru Abdulmajid, has also directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders, Intelligence and surveillance operatives to intensify visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, and sustained patrols throughout the festive period, while upholding professionalism and respect for people’s rights.

The command urged the residents to always remain vigilant, celebrate responsibly, and promptly report any suspicious movement or object to the nearest police station.

Additionally, parents and guardians are also advised to keep a close watch over their children, particularly in crowded environments.

The commissioner reassured the people of his unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order before, during, and after the festivities.