The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed the death of the man who attacked Islamic cleric Sheikh Musa Lukuwa in Sokoto on Friday.
ASP Rufa’i Ahmad, the command’s Public Relations Officer, told NAN that the man was killed by a mob after stabbing Lukuwa shortly after Jumat.
Police said the unidentified attacker entered the mosque and attacked the cleric. “The assailant, who brought out a sharp knife, inflicted deep cuts on the victim’s neck and left hand,” the command said.
The mob overpowered the suspect before security operatives arrived. “The deceased assailant was rushed to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor and his body deposited at the UDUTH Mortuary,” the police said.
Police condemned the mob killing as jungle justice. CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa urged residents to allow the law to take its course.
“It is imperative that we allow the law to take its course to ensure justice is served appropriately,” the CP said.
Security personnel were deployed to maintain order as investigations continued.
Lukuwa had faced allegations of blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), causing anger among Muslim faithful. Gangster Dahiru Maibarewa had earlier threatened to kill him, leading to demonstrations after Maibarewa’s arrest.
Islamic groups also petitioned the Sokoto government, while Sheikh Abubakar Yagawal said Lukuwa’s alleged utterances could cause violence and called for investigations.
