A cleric from Sokoto named Sheikh Musa Lukwa led his congregation in the Eid prayer on Tuesday.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, named Wednesday the first Shawwal and Eid day, honoring the end of the 2024 Ramadan fast.
The committee claimed the crescent moon was not spotted on Monday, the same opinion previously espoused by Saudi authorities.
But Lukwa, who has over the years disobeyed the Sultan’s directive on moon sighting, led prayers at his Juma’at mosque around 8:30 am.
Justifying the action, Lukwa said the moon of Shawwal was sighted in neighbouring Niger Republic on Monday.
“There were reports of sightings of the new crescent in many places, including here in Nigeria, but the one that we were sure of is that of Niger Republic.
“We have a verified video clip of their council of Ulamah authenticating the report after which the country declared Tuesday as Sallah day. So, it is now binding on us to observe Eid on Tuesday because this is what the teachings of the Holy Prophet said.
“If we can accept that of Saudi Arabia, why can’t we agree with that of Niger Republic which is nearer to us,” he said.
Lukwa has been defying the Sultan’s directives, accusing the monarch of forcing Muslims to accept the moon sighting in Saudi Arabia which he believes is against the tradition of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).