Islamic Cleric Sheikh Yahya Masussuka Killed in Gun Attack in Katsina, Police Confirm

The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed the killing of prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ibrahim Yahya Masussuka in a gun attack at his residence in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of the state.

The cleric was reportedly killed alongside his friend, Adamu Abubakar, at around 7:30 p.m. on Monday, according to a statement issued by the police through their spokesperson, DSP Abubakar Aliyu.

Dutsin-Ma police chief CSP Auwalu Gwadabe told the BBC that the attack occurred at the entrance to the cleric’s residence. Masussuka sustained gunshot wounds and was taken to a nearby hospital, where medical personnel confirmed his death. His secretary, Dr Mustapha Haruna, also confirmed the death at Dutsin-Ma General Hospital.

The police said the Commissioner of Police had ordered an investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killings. No suspects had been identified in the supplied report, and the motive for the attack remained unclear.

Masussuka was a well-known Islamic preacher and educator whose religious views had generated controversy among scholars in northern Nigeria and neighbouring countries. He advocated an approach to interpreting the Qur’an that relied on using passages from the holy book to explain other passages, while critically examining some Hadith traditions.

His position brought him into disagreements with scholars associated with Salafist teachings and the Izala movement. The report said the disagreements sometimes played out during religious sermons and on social media.

In November 2025, the Katsina State Government reportedly summoned the cleric following allegations that he had harassed other scholars and defamed the Hadith traditions of Prophet Muhammad. The circumstances of that earlier dispute do not establish any connection to his killing.

Beyond his religious activities, Masussuka operated a radio station, a television station and schools in Dutsin-Ma, which he said were established to promote his interpretation of the Qur’an.

He was also described as an advocate for peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue, with the report noting his opposition to violent extremism and radicalisation. In June 2025, the Network for Good Governance and Transparency reportedly honoured him with a Peace Ambassador Award.

The killing has prompted calls for an investigation into the attack. Police have said efforts are underway to track down those responsible, while the motive behind the deaths remains to be established.