Gunmen kill Islamic cleric Sheikh Masussuka in Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed the murder of an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka. He was shot by suspected gunmen outside his home in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area on Monday night.

DW Hausa reported that the police confirmed the incident to their correspondent. They noted that the attackers were on a motorcycle when they opened fire on the cleric.

The shooting happened around 9 p.m. near the entrance of his residence. Several local news outlets said another person was shot during the attack. However, reports varied on who this person was and if he survived.

Photos circulating on social media showed residents gathered outside the cleric’s home after the shooting. PREMIUM TIMES has not independently confirmed where or when these images were taken.

The details about the attack and who was behind it are still unclear. The spokesperson for the Katsina State Police Command, Abubakar Sadiq, acknowledged questions from journalists in a police WhatsApp group at 10:44 p.m. on Monday. He said he would respond to their calls as soon as he could.

He had not given more details to PREMIUM TIMES at the time of this report. Mr Masussuka was an Islamic preacher from Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, but originally hailed from Bauchi State.

He was known for his Quran-focused teachings, especially his rejection of some Hadith traditions. This caused disagreements with other Islamic scholars. His sermons gained significant attention on social media.

In April 2024, he started Qur’an TV/Radio and Masussuka International School in Dutsin-Ma. The school aimed to offer both Qur’anic and regular education.

He also promoted peaceful living between Muslims and Christians. In June 2025, the Network for Good Governance and Transparency honored him with a Peace Ambassador award during a ceremony in Katsina.

In November 2025, the Katsina State Government called him in after complaints that some of his teachings went against Islamic principles. The government also received complaints from Masussuka about members of Jama’atu Izalatul Bidia insulting him and threatening him.

This issue was taken to the Katsina Emirate Council, where both parties were invited for talks. Governor Dikko Radda later asked the cleric to respond to the claims before a group of Islamic scholars.

There is currently no proof linking the earlier religious dispute or the reported threats to Monday’s murder.