Last moments of Katsina cleric, Masussuka

Family and neighbours of the slain Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka, have recalled the chain of events preceding his gruesome murder in front of his residence in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, on Monday evening.

Masussuka was shot dead alongside his associate, Adamu Abubakar, in an attack claimed by the extremist group Ansaru. The killing has plunged his family, followers and associates into mourning.

This is as Amnesty International called on the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.

Hours before the incident, at a gathering in his father-in-law’s residence where relatives and well-wishers had assembled to mourn a deceased family member, the cleric had reportedly spoken about the inevitability of death and the need for people to live harmoniously.

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Masussuka was said to have reminded the mourners that differences in race, tribe, nationality and social standing should not divide humanity because everyone would eventually return to Allah.

A resident, Murtala Narega, who was familiar with the cleric’s final hours, said Masussuka used the gathering at his father-in-law’s residence to remind mourners that differences among people should encourage understanding rather than hostility.

“He reminded us that Allah created people differently, but those differences should not be a reason for division or hostility,” Narega said.

According to him, the cleric also spoke about the certainty of death, regardless of a person’s wealth, position, or circumstances.

“He told us that this world is only a temporary place and that everyone will eventually return to Allah. He advised us to use the time we have to do good and serve humanity,” he said.

Narega said the message had become particularly painful following the cleric’s death just hours later.

“None of us imagined that we would be mourning him so soon after listening to him speak about death. His words have stayed with us because he reminded us that life is temporary, but we did not know that his own end was so close,” he added.

After the gathering, Masussuka reportedly returned to the studio at his residence, where he regularly delivered religious lectures to his followers online.

The wife of the late cleric, Hajiya Fatima, recalled that Masussuka had reminded her of the oneness of Allah before he stepped out on the fateful day, adding that shortly afterwards, she heard gunshots.

“My husband spoke to me about the oneness of Allah before he left home. Shortly after he left, I heard about four gunshots. Then I received the news that he had been killed,” the widow recounted briefly. “I pray that Allah forgives his shortcomings and grants him Aljannah Firdausi.”

The circumstances surrounding the attack have left relatives and associates searching for answers, including whether the assailants knew the cleric’s movements or had monitored him before the shooting. His death has also renewed attention to the religious disagreements that surrounded some of his teachings.

Cleric’s followers urged to remain calm

Muhammadu Sabi’u, deputy to the late cleric, said the entire community was shocked and devastated by the incident.

“We are shocked and devastated by his death, but we believe that Allah will grant him Aljannah Firdausi,” Sabi’u said.

He noted that thousands of Masussuka’s followers had been admonished to remain peaceful and calm during the difficult period, warning against actions or statements capable of escalating tensions.

Another close associate, Bello Danwaire, who said he influenced Masussuka’s relocation to Dutsin-Ma from Bauchi in 1988, described the deceased as a man of honour who respected people irrespective of their religious affiliations.

Danwaire said the cleric’s respect for human dignity was among the most important lessons he learnt from their relationship.

He said Masussuka demonstrated through his conduct that differences in religious beliefs should not prevent people from treating one another with respect and understanding.

Malam Yahaya Bani Adam, who taught Masussuka, also urged the cleric’s followers to maintain harmonious relationships with others.

He described the deceased as someone whose life was worthy of emulation and cautioned his followers against making statements capable of inciting violence.

Bani Adam said the ultimate judgement belonged to Allah, while the investigation into the killing remained the responsibility of the relevant authorities.

He added that the family and followers were awaiting the necessary government approval before concluding arrangements for the burial.

Also, a prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, urged the public to remain calm and allow the authorities to take appropriate action.

Gumi appealed in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page hours after the cleric was killed, describing the incident as a serious mistake that could trigger conflict within the Muslim community.

The scholar warned that the incident could be exploited to create confusion and division among Muslims, urging people not to take the law into their own hands.

He also cited verses from the Qur’an to support his call for restraint, cautioning against actions that could lead to unrest and urging people to refer security-related matters to the appropriate authorities.

Quoting Qur’an 4:83, Gumi emphasised the importance of referring matters concerning security and fear to those in authority rather than spreading information without proper investigation.

He further cited Qur’an 24:63, warning against actions that could lead to trials or painful consequences.

Gumi prayed for peace and an end to conflict within the Muslim community.

“May Allah grant us peace and remove every form of conflict and division from the community of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Amen,” he said.

‘Masussuka’s controversial preaching’

The cleric’s approach to Islamic scholarship was not without controversy. Masussuka was known for his Qur’an-centred approach, particularly Tafseerul Qur’ani bil Qur’an, a method of interpreting passages of the Qur’an through other passages of the same scripture.

His positions on certain Hadith traditions generated disagreements with some Islamic scholars and religious organisations.

A prominent Islamic scholar in Katsina State, Muhammad Yunusa, said although he had no personal animosity towards the late cleric, he strongly disagreed with his religious doctrines and method of preaching.

Yunusa said his disagreement with Masussuka centred on what he described as the cleric’s rejection of the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, as well as aspects of his preaching that he believed challenged the integrity of other Islamic sects and their followers.

He said, “You see, if I really understand Yahaya Masussuka, he preaches the Qur’an but vehemently rejects anything that has to do with the Sunnah of the Prophet of Islam. That is where we parted ways, but I’m not against him personally.”

However, Isma’il Zakariyya, one of the slain cleric’s closest associates, offered a different assessment, describing Masussuka as a peaceful man whose preaching during his lifetime was consistent with the teachings of the Qur’an.

Zakariyya, who said Masussuka had studied under his father, maintained that the late cleric was committed to religious preaching and peaceful coexistence.

He also rejected reports linking Ansaru to the killing, insisting that he did not believe the group was responsible for the attack.

Mourners at Masussuka’s residence in Dutsinma, Katsina State yesterday.

“As people who believe in destiny, we never and will never believe that Ansaru is responsible for the killing, and we have left everything in the hands of God,” Zakariyya said.

Zakariyya further disclosed that Abubakar, who was killed alongside the cleric, would be buried at his residence in Katsina on Wednesday.

He explained that Abubakar had travelled from Nasarawa State to attend a gathering scheduled for Saturday, October 31, in Katsina before he was killed alongside Masussuka.

“Adam Abubakar came from Nasarawa State for our next Saturday’s gathering here in Katsina, and as God willed, he was killed alongside Masussuka. His relatives came and accepted that he should be laid to rest at my residence in Katsina,” he said.

Meanwhile, the gathering organised by the Qur’anic Believers Harmony for Peace Initiative under Masussuka’s leadership is expected to hold on Saturday as scheduled, despite the killing of its leader, Daily Trust gathered.

The event is intended to feature prayers for peace, security and violence-free elections.

Zakariyya also said that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Masussuka’s funeral prayer would take place on Friday at the palace of the Emir of Katsina in Kofar Soro.

The cleric’s remains had been deposited at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, for a post-mortem examination.

Masussuka’s killing has left his followers mourning while raising questions about the motive for the attack and the identity of those responsible.

Despite the religious disagreements surrounding his teachings, his associates have urged calm, leaving the investigation into his death to the relevant authorities.

The doctrinal differences between Masussuka and some of his fellow scholars have attracted renewed attention following his killing. In November 2025, the Katsina State Government reportedly summoned Masussuka after complaints about aspects of his preaching.

Reports at the time also indicated that the cleric had complained about insults and threats allegedly directed at him.

The government reportedly referred the dispute to the Katsina Emirate Council for discussions, although the outcome of the proceedings has not been clearly established.

Amnesty demands thorough investigation

Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the killing and called on the authorities to investigate the incident effectively and bring those responsible to justice.

“The Nigerian authorities must immediately and effectively investigate the incident and ensure that those suspected of being responsible are brought to justice,” the organisation said.

The human rights organisation described Masussuka as a preacher who consistently used his teachings to promote cooperation, peaceful coexistence, interfaith dialogue and understanding among Muslim faithful.

It also noted that he spoke against violent extremism and radicalisation.

Amnesty International further said the cleric had faced threats to his life and intimidation during his lifetime, raising concerns about whether earlier warnings were adequately addressed.

The organisation’s intervention has added to calls for the authorities to establish not only who carried out the killing but also whether previous threats or complaints could have provided warning of the danger.

The extremist group Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan, popularly known as Ansaru, has reportedly claimed responsibility for the killing.

According to a report by PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday, the group made the claim in a video in which it cited Masussuka’s advocacy for peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths as one of the reasons for the attack.

The report said the group also criticised the cleric’s religious positions and issued threats against others whose views it opposed.

Tinubu orders probe

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the murder of Masussuka and his friend. The president also ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to their killing, noting that perpetrators should be brought to book.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the president on Information and Strategy, said the President was deeply saddened by the news of the killing.

The President described the act “as heinous and an assault on the values of peace and sanctity of human life.”

Onanuga said President Tinubu had extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, their followers, as well as the government and people of Katsina State, over the tragic loss.

“The president has directed the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to move swiftly, intensify efforts already underway by the Katsina State Police Command, and ensure the perpetrators are tracked down, apprehended, and brought to justice.

“President Tinubu prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and for comfort for all those who mourn their death,” he stated.

Police launch manhunt

The Katsina State Police Command said two armed men riding on a motorcycle opened fire on Masussuka and his associate before fleeing.

The attack occurred at about 7:30pm in front of the cleric’s residence in Dutsin-Ma, according to the police.

Both victims sustained fatal gunshot injuries and were taken to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar Fage, ordered the deployment of tactical and operational teams to track down the assailants, while the command said an investigation had commenced.

The police also expressed condolences to the families, friends and followers of the deceased and assured residents that efforts would continue to apprehend those responsible.

The cleric’s remains were subsequently deposited at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Katsina, for postmortem examination.

His funeral prayer has been rescheduled for Friday at the palace of the Emir of Katsina in Kofar Soro.

The funeral committee announced the change in arrangements, citing ongoing investigations. No findings from the postmortem examination had been made public as of the time of filing this report.

By Abdullahi Izma Yamadi, Katsina; Baba Martins, Abuja & Mohammed Ibrahim Yaba, Kaduna