Gunmen kill Islamic cleric Sheikh Masussuka in Katsina months after raising alarm
Gunmen have killed a Katsina-based Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka outside his home in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area on Monday night.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 9 p.m. near the entrance to his residence.
The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identities of those responsible remain unclear.
Sheikh Masussuka was an Islamic preacher based in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, although he was originally from Bauchi State.
He was known for his Quran-centred teachings, particularly his rejection of certain Hadith traditions, which brought him into disagreement with other Islamic scholars. His sermons also attracted considerable attention on social media.
In April 2024, he established Qur’an TV/Radio and Masussuka International School in Dutsin-Ma. The school was designed to provide both Qur’anic and conventional education.
He also advocated peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians. In June 2025, the Network for Good Governance and Transparency honoured him with a Peace Ambassador award at an event in Katsina.
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 Masussuka that members of Jama’atu Izalatul Bidia were insulting him and threatening to attack him.
The matter was referred to the Katsina Emirate Council, where both sides were invited for discussions. Governor Dikko Radda subsequently directed the cleric to respond to the allegations before a committee of Islamic scholars.
There is no evidence at this stage linking the earlier religious dispute or the reported threats to Monday’s killing.
