Sokoto mosque attack: Asada questions committee’s impartiality - Vanguard News

A fresh controversy has emerged over the 14-member advisory committee constituted by the Sokoto State Government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack on Sheikh Musa Ayuba Lukuwa and the subsequent death of his alleged attacker at the Lukuwa Jumu’at Mosque in Mabera, Sokoto metropolis.

The controversy followed concerns raised by Mallam Murtala Bello Asada over the composition of the committee, particularly claims that some of its members have had longstanding disagreements with Lukuwa.

In a message titled, “Wannan Shine Ƙarshen Rashin Adalci?” (“Is This the Height of Injustice?”), Asada questioned whether an investigation could be considered impartial if people alleged to have had previous disagreements with Lukuwa were involved in determining the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“How can justice be achieved if some of those who have a long history of disagreement with Mallam Musa Ayuba Lukuwa are given the responsibility of investigating him?” he asked.

Asada said that if the objective was to establish the truth, all parties should be allowed to present evidence and participate in a respectful and transparent process rather than rely on predetermined positions.

“If the real intention is to discover the truth, let there be evidence. Let us sit down and engage in a dialogue with dignity,” he said.

He further called for an open and impartial investigation, arguing that a credible process should be subjected to scrutiny.

“The truth is not afraid of confrontation. Justice is not afraid of investigation,” he said.

The Sokoto State Government had earlier approved a 14-member Advisory Committee chaired by Malam Yahaya na Malam Boyi, with representatives of major Islamic organisations and institutions, including Izala, Tijjaniyyah, Qadiriyyah, Jama’atu Nasril Islam and the Sultanate Council.

The committee was given 14 days to examine the Sharia position on issues raised by Lukuwa and advise the government accordingly.

The government also directed security agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and the death of the alleged assailant.

It urged residents to refrain from inflammatory statements capable of escalating religious tensions in the state.

The incident occurred on September 11, when Lukuwa was allegedly attacked shortly after leading the Jumu’at prayer. Police said the alleged attacker was subsequently overpowered by worshippers and beaten to death.

Lukuwa was taken to hospital for treatment and later appealed for calm.

The dispute over the committee’s composition has renewed calls for a transparent process to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack, the death of the alleged assailant and the wider religious tensions in Sokoto.

The outcome of the investigation is expected to have implications for public confidence in the process, religious relations and efforts to maintain peace in the state.

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