Gunmen riding a motorcycle have shot dead Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka outside his residence in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State, nearly a year after the state government acknowledged his complaints of threats over his religious teachings.
The attack reportedly occurred at about 9pm on Monday, with the Katsina State Police Command confirming the cleric’s death.
Another person was also reportedly shot during the incident, although accounts differed over the victim’s identity and whether the person survived.
The circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear, and no suspects have been identified publicly.
Masussuka, an Islamic preacher originally from Bauchi State, was known for his Qur’an-centred teachings, including his rejection of certain Hadith traditions, which brought him into disagreement with other Islamic scholars.
He also advocated peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians and attracted attention through his sermons on social media.
In April 2024, he established Qur’an TV/Radio and Masussuka International School in Dutsin-Ma to provide both Qur’anic and conventional education.
In November 2025, the Katsina State Government summoned the cleric following complaints that some of his teachings contravened Islamic principles. The government also acknowledged receiving complaints from him that members of Jama’atu Izalatul Bidia were insulting him and threatening to attack him.
The dispute was referred to the Katsina Emirate Council, where both sides were invited for discussions. Governor Dikko Radda subsequently directed Masussuka to respond to the allegations before a committee of Islamic scholars.
There is, however, no established evidence linking the earlier dispute or reported threats to Monday’s killing.
The police spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq, acknowledged enquiries from journalists on Monday night but had not provided further details at the time of reporting.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify those responsible.
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