Sheikh Musa Lukwa leading his congregation for eid- prayer on Thursday in Sokoto. In a message circulated on social media, the cleric justified his decision, citing confirmed reports of moon sightings in neighbouring Niger Republic. He stressed that the action was not intended to undermine the Sultan’s authority but was based on religious conviction. He reportedly informed congregants around midnight of the development and directed them to assemble for Eid prayers Thursday morning. However, differences over moon sightings — especially when reports emerge from neighbouring countries — have occasionally led to divergent observances by some clerics and communities, particularly in northern Nigeria.

Source: Punch March 19, 2026 10:32 UTC