Nigeria, March 19 -- A Sokoto-based Islamic cleric, Musa Lukuwa, held Eid al-Fitr prayers on Thursday, diverging from the official date announced by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa'ad Abubakar, who had fixed the celebration for Friday.

The cleric based his decision on a reported moon sighting in neighbouring Niger Republic, while authorities say the situation remains peaceful.

Mr Lukuwa, in a message delivered in a Facebook video circulated on Thursday, said the fasting month of Ramadan had concluded after 29 days, citing the sighting of the crescent moon in neighbouring Niger Republic as the basis for ending the fast.

The position contrasts with that of the Sultanate Council, which traditionally coordinates moon sighting and announces Islami...