Just in: Katsina central Mosque chief Imam dies at 95- Imam Muhammad Lawal, chief Imam of the Katsina Metropolis Central Mosque is dead - The late cleric who had been the chief Imam of Katsina for the past 41 years died at the age of 95, after a protracted illness - Emir of Katsina, Alh Abdulmumini Kabir and Governor Aminu Masari have described the death of the chief Imam as a great loss to Katsina people The chief Imam of the Katsina Metropolis Central Mosque, Imam Muhammad Lawal is dead.Aged 95, Lawal died on Sunday, May 6, after a protracted illness. The family spokesman, Alhaji Mohammed Ahmed, who confirmed the death to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said that their father died after a prolong sickness. Ahmed said that the deceased had been the chief Imam of Katsina for the past 41 years. READ ALSO: Arewa Consultative Forum says it cannot endorse Buhari because it is a non partisan group He disclosed that the deceased left behind four wives, 27 children and several grand children. The funeral prayer was conducted at the premises of Katsina Central Mosque and the deceased was later buried at Dantakum burial ground in Katsina metropolis according to Islamic rites. Meanwhile, the emir of Katsina, Alh Abdulmumini Kabir and Governor Aminu Masari have described the death of the chief Imam as a great loss to Katsina people and the Islamic world. They prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive him all his sins and grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. NAN reports that thousands of people including Govrnor Masari and the emir as well as prominent Islamic scholars attended the funeral prayer. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) on Friday, May 4, said the crescent for this year's Islamic lunar month of fasting, Ramadan, will be visible on Wednesday, May 16. Legit.ng gathered that a statement from the country's space agency said: "NASRDA has successfully calculated and predicted that the first appearance of the first astronomical Lunar crescent for Ramadan will be sighted on Wednesday 16th May." Do churches need armed security guards? On Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit.ng - Imam Muhammad Lawal, chief Imam of the Katsina Metropolis Central Mosque is dead - The late cleric who had been the chief Imam of Katsina for the past 41 years died at the age of 95, after a protracted illness - Emir of Katsina, Alh Abdulmumini Kabir and Governor Aminu Masari have described the death of the chief Imam as a great loss to Katsina people READ ALSO: PAY ATTENTION: Legit.ng Legit.ng