A coalition of Islamic religious groups in Sokoto state has called on the federal, state governments and security agencies to investigate and sanction Malam Musa Lukuwa over utterances concerning the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Speaking on behalf of the groups under the umbrella of the National Sufi Council of Nigeriaa in Sokoto, Sheikh Abubakar Yagawal, described the utterances attributed to the Holy Prophet’s parents as unbecoming and capable of instigating violence.
Yagawal, who is also the National Commissioner in the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), said different Islamic groups had convened a meeting and reviewed all the utterances on the parents of the noblest Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and the adorable supplications bearing the Prophet’s integrity.
“For many of the groups involved, the immediate demand remains unequivocal: calling for an investigation into the allegations, establishing the facts and, where the law is found to have been breached, allowing the courts to determine the appropriate course of action.
“We all condemn what we described as the alleged offensive remarks, insisting that the honour and sanctity of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) occupy an inviolable position in the faith of Muslims,” he said.
Yagawal noted that the development had assumed considerable significance in Sokoto, a city deeply associated with the intellectual and spiritual legacy of Sheikh Usmanu Dan Fodio and the Islamic scholarship that has profoundly influenced religious thought across Nigeria and the wider West African sub-region.
He explained that the group members were prepared to make considerable sacrifices in defence of the honour of the Messenger of Allah, emphasising that any response to the controversy must be pursued strictly through lawful and constitutional channels.
“Consequently, we call on the Federal Government, Sokoto State Government and relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations and, where sufficient evidence exists, ensure that Lukuwa is brought before a competent court to face the appropriate legal process.
“The council warns that religious tolerance should not be misconstrued as a licence for individuals to make pronouncements capable of provoking religious sentiments, inflaming passions or undermining matters regarded as sacred by millions of Muslims,” Yagawal said.
According to him, their demand was not for mob justice, intimidation or extrajudicial punishment, but for accountability, due process and the application of the law if competent authorities establish that an offence has been committed.
He said the organisations, therefore, called on Muslims across the state and beyond to remain calm and refrain from actions capable of worsening the situation.
“We have contacted government and law-enforcement authorities to demonstrate that even the most emotionally charged religious disputes can be resolved through justice, transparency and the rule of law,” he added.
The leader urged security agencies to handle the matter with firmness, professionalism and impartiality, stressing that highly sensitive religious disputes must be subjected to established legal mechanisms rather than allowed to degenerate into confrontation or disorder.
He further appealed to Muslim scholars, traditional rulers, community leaders and the general public to exercise maximum restraint, arguing that differences in theological interpretation should be resolved through scholarship, dialogue and the courts rather than through street action.
The groups that submitted written petitions included descendants of Sheikh Usmanu Dan Fodio, Ansar under the leadership of Sarkin Kudun Dange, Saidu Ahmad, the National Chairman of the Council of Sufi in Nigeria led by Prof. Yagawal, and Concerned Citizen/Human Rights Advocate, Mr. Husaini Gwadabawa, among others.
The utterances made by Lukuwa went viral on social media platforms and had attracted reactions from different individuals and groups within and outside the state.
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