Gunmen kill Islamic cleric Sheikh Masussuka in Katsina

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

DW Hausa reported that the police confirmed the killing to its correspondent, adding that the attackers were riding a motorcycle when they opened fire on the cleric.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 9 p.m. near the entrance to his residence.

Several local news platforms reported that another person was shot during the attack, although accounts differed over the person’s identity and whether he survived.

Photographs circulating on social media purportedly showed residents gathered outside the cleric’s residence following the shooting. PREMIUM TIMES has not independently verified where or when the images were taken.

The circumstances surrounding the attack and the identities of those responsible remain unclear.

The spokesperson for the Katsina State Police Command, Abubakar Sadiq, acknowledged enquiries from journalists in a police WhatsApp group at 10:44 p.m. on Monday, saying he would respond to their calls as soon as possible.

He had not provided further details to PREMIUM TIMES at the time of filing this report.

Who was Sheikh Masussuka?

Mr 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.

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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.