The Katsina State Police Command has confirmed the killing of an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka, who was shot by suspected gunmen exterior his residence in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area on Monday evening.
DW Hausa reported that the police confirmed the killing to its correspondent, including that the attackers have been using a bike after they opened hearth on the cleric.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 9 p.m. close to the doorway to his residence.
Several native information platforms reported that one other particular person was shot in the course of the assault, though accounts differed over the particular person’s id and whether or not he survived.
Photographs circulating on social media purportedly confirmed residents gathered exterior the cleric’s residence following the taking pictures. PREMIUM TIMES has not independently verified the place or when the pictures have been taken.
The circumstances surrounding the assault and the identities of these accountable stay 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 reply to their calls as quickly as potential.
He had not offered additional particulars to PREMIUM TIMES on the time of submitting this report.
Who was Sheikh Masussuka?
Mr Masussuka was an Islamic preacher primarily based in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, though he was initially from Bauchi State.
He was recognized for his Quran-centred teachings, significantly his rejection of sure Hadith traditions, which introduced him into disagreement with different Islamic students. His sermons additionally attracted appreciable consideration on social media.
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In April 2024, he established Qur’an TV/Radio and Masussuka International School in Dutsin-Ma. The college was designed to supply each Qur’anic and standard schooling.
He additionally advocated peaceable coexistence between Muslims and Christians. In June 2025, the Network for Good Governance and Transparency honoured him with a Peace Ambassador award at an occasion in Katsina.
In November 2025, the Katsina State Government summoned the cleric following complaints that a few of his teachings contravened Islamic rules.
The authorities additionally acknowledged receiving complaints from Masussuka that members of Jama’atu Izalatul Bidia have been insulting him and threatening to assault him.
The matter was referred to the Katsina Emirate Council, the place each side have been invited for discussions. Governor Dikko Radda subsequently directed the cleric to reply to the allegations earlier than a committee of Islamic students.
There is not any proof at this stage linking the sooner non secular dispute or the reported threats to Monday’s killing.
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