A popular Islamic scholar, Sheikh Musa Lukuwa, was stabbed by a worshipper shortly after Juma’at prayers at a mosque in the Mabera area of Sokoto metropolis on Friday.

The incident reportedly triggered a mob attack by other worshippers, who descended on the assailant and beat him to death.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Sokoto State, DSP Ahmed Rufa’i, confirmed the incident, saying one person was killed during the violence.

Rufa’i said the deceased was killed by a mob after he allegedly used a knife to stab Lukuwa in the stomach immediately after the Friday prayer.

According to him, Lukuwa, who led the Friday congregation attended by the assailant, was rushed to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), where he is currently receiving treatment.

He added that the body of the deceased had been evacuated, while no arrest had been made in connection with the incident.

The police spokesperson said the situation was under control, urging residents to remain calm and law-abiding.

Lukuwa had recently come under criticism following allegations that he made blasphemous remarks concerning Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), triggering anger among some Muslim faithful in the state.

A gangster, Dahiru Maibarewa, had also publicly threatened to kill Lukuwa at the first opportunity over the remarks attributed to the Islamic scholar.

The threat reportedly heightened tensions and sparked demonstrations in parts of Sokoto metropolis.

At a press conference on September 4, 2026, an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abubakar Yagawal urged Muslims to reject and oppose any cleric who engages in blasphemous content, regardless of the circumstances, in the interest of peaceful coexistence.

Yagawal, who is the leader of the National Sufi Council of Nigeria and a National Commissioner of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), described Lukuwa’s alleged utterances as unbecoming and capable of provoking violence within Muslim communities.

He said a coalition of Islamic religious groups in Sokoto State had called on the Federal and Sokoto State governments, as well as security agencies, to investigate the matter and take appropriate action against Lukuwa over the alleged remarks.