A Sokoto-based Islamic group has gone ahead to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr on Thursday, despite the official directive from Saad Abubakar declaring Friday as the Sallah day in Nigeria.

The group, led by Musa Lukuwa, held Eid prayers at a mosque in Mabera, where followers gathered early in the morning.

The Sultan had earlier announced that the Shawwal moon was not sighted anywhere in the country, which meant Ramadan would continue for another day.

However, Lukuwa explained that his decision was based on reports of moon sighting from Niger Republic, which he said was reliable and geographically close.

He argued that accepting moon sightings from distant cities while rejecting those from nearby countries would not be consistent, adding that his action followed Islamic teachings.

The cleric maintained that the move was not meant to challenge the Sultan’s authority but was based on religious conviction, even though it resulted in a difference in observance among Muslims.