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 an immediate 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 and noted that one person died during the violence.
Rufa’i stated, “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 the police spokesperson, Lukuwa was rushed to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), where he is currently receiving medical treatment.
Rufa’i added that the body of the assailant had been evacuated, though no arrests have been made in connection with the mob killing.
The police command emphasized that the situation in the metropolis is under control and urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding.
Lukuwa had recently faced heavy public criticism following allegations that he made blasphemous remarks concerning Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), sparking anger among local faithful.
Before the attack, a gangster known as Dahiru Maibarewa had publicly threatened to kill Lukuwa at the first opportunity over the controversial remarks.
At a press conference on September 4, 2026, Islamic cleric Sheikh Abubakar Yagawal urged Muslims to reject any cleric engaging in blasphemous content “regardless of the circumstances, in the interest of peaceful coexistence.”
Yagawal, leader of the National Sufi Council of Nigeria, noted that a coalition of religious groups called on government and security agencies “to investigate the matter and take appropriate action against Lukuwa over the alleged remarks.”