Last moments of Katsina cleric, Masussuka – Daily Trust

Family and neighbours of the slain Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka, have recalled the chain of occasions previous his ugly homicide in entrance of his residence in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, on Monday night.

Masussuka was shot lifeless alongside his affiliate, Adamu Abubakar, in an assault claimed by the extremist group Ansaru. The killing has plunged his household, followers and associates into mourning.

This is as Amnesty International known as on the federal government to conduct a radical investigation into the killing and be sure that these accountable have been delivered to justice.

Hours earlier than the incident, at a gathering in his father-in-law’s residence the place relations and well-wishers had assembled to mourn a deceased member of the family, the cleric had reportedly spoken in regards to the inevitability of loss of life and the necessity for individuals to dwell harmoniously.

Masussuka was mentioned to have reminded the mourners that variations in race, tribe, nationality and social standing mustn’t divide humanity as a result of everybody would ultimately return to Allah.

A resident, Murtala Narega, who was accustomed to the cleric’s last hours, mentioned Masussuka used the gathering at his father-in-law’s residence to remind mourners that variations amongst individuals ought to encourage understanding reasonably than hostility.

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

According to him, the cleric additionally spoke in regards to the certainty of loss of life, regardless of an individual’s wealth, place, 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 mentioned.

Narega mentioned the message had develop into significantly painful following the cleric’s loss of life simply 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, the place he recurrently delivered non secular lectures to his followers on-line.

The spouse of the late cleric, Hajiya Fatima, recalled that Masussuka had reminded her of the oneness of Allah earlier than he stepped out on the fateful day, including 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 assault have left relations and associates trying to find solutions, together with whether or not the assailants knew the cleric’s actions or had monitored him earlier than the taking pictures. His loss of life has additionally renewed consideration to the non secular disagreements that surrounded some of his teachings.

Cleric’s followers urged to stay calm

Muhammadu Sabi’u, deputy to the late cleric, mentioned the complete group 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 mentioned.

He famous that hundreds of Masussuka’s followers had been admonished to stay peaceable and calm in the course of the troublesome interval, warning towards actions or statements succesful of escalating tensions.

Another shut affiliate, Bello Danwaire, who mentioned he influenced Masussuka’s relocation to Dutsin-Ma from Bauchi in 1988, described the deceased as a person of honour who revered individuals irrespective of their non secular affiliations.

Danwaire mentioned the cleric’s respect for human dignity was among the many most necessary classes he learnt from their relationship.

He mentioned Masussuka demonstrated by his conduct that variations in non secular beliefs mustn’t forestall individuals from treating each other with respect and understanding.

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

He described the deceased as somebody whose life was worthy of emulation and cautioned his followers towards making statements succesful of inciting violence.

Bani Adam mentioned the final word judgement belonged to Allah, whereas the investigation into the killing remained the duty of the related authorities.

He added that the household and followers have been awaiting the mandatory authorities approval earlier than concluding preparations for the burial.

Also, a outstanding Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, urged the general public to stay calm and permit the authorities to take applicable motion.

Gumi appealed in a press release posted on his verified Facebook web page hours after the cleric was killed, describing the incident as a critical mistake that might set off battle throughout the Muslim group.

The scholar warned that the incident might be exploited to create confusion and division amongst Muslims, urging individuals to not take the legislation into their very own fingers.

He additionally cited verses from the Qur’an to assist his name for restraint, cautioning towards actions that might result in unrest and urging individuals to refer security-related issues to the suitable authorities.

Quoting Qur’an 4:83, Gumi emphasised the significance of referring issues regarding safety and worry to these in authority reasonably than spreading info with out correct investigation.

He additional cited Qur’an 24:63, warning towards actions that might result in trials or painful penalties.

Gumi prayed for peace and an finish to battle throughout the Muslim group.

“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 mentioned.

‘Masussuka’s controversial preaching’

The cleric’s strategy to Islamic scholarship was not with out controversy. Masussuka was recognized for his Qur’an-centred strategy, significantly Tafseerul Qur’ani bil Qur’an, a way of deciphering passages of the Qur’an by different passages of the identical scripture.

His positions on sure Hadith traditions generated disagreements with some Islamic students and spiritual organisations.

A outstanding Islamic scholar in Katsina State, Muhammad Yunusa, mentioned though he had no private animosity in the direction of the late cleric, he strongly disagreed together with his non secular doctrines and methodology of preaching.

Yunusa mentioned his disagreement with Masussuka centred on what he described because the cleric’s rejection of the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, in addition to points of his preaching that he believed challenged the integrity of different Islamic sects and their followers.

He mentioned, “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, provided a unique evaluation, describing Masussuka as a peaceable man whose preaching throughout his lifetime was in keeping with the teachings of the Qur’an.

Zakariyya, who mentioned Masussuka had studied below his father, maintained that the late cleric was dedicated to spiritual preaching and peaceable coexistence.

He additionally rejected stories linking Ansaru to the killing, insisting that he didn’t imagine the group was accountable for the assault.

“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 mentioned.

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

He defined that Abubakar had travelled from Nasarawa State to attend a gathering scheduled for Saturday, October 31, in Katsina earlier than 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 mentioned.

Meanwhile, the gathering organised by the Qur’anic Believers Harmony for Peace Initiative below Masussuka’s management is anticipated to carry on Saturday as scheduled, regardless of the killing of its chief, Daily Trust gathered.

The occasion is meant to function prayers for peace, safety and violence-free elections.

Zakariyya additionally mentioned that, barring any unexpected circumstances, Masussuka’s funeral prayer would happen on Friday on the palace of the Emir of Katsina in Kofar Soro.

The cleric’s stays had been deposited on the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, for a autopsy examination.

Masussuka’s killing has left his followers mourning whereas elevating questions in regards to the motive for the assault and the id of these accountable.

Despite the non secular disagreements surrounding his teachings, his associates have urged calm, leaving the investigation into his loss of life to the related authorities.

The doctrinal variations between Masussuka and a few of his fellow students have attracted renewed consideration following his killing. In November 2025, the Katsina State Government reportedly summoned Masussuka after complaints about points of his preaching.

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

The authorities reportedly referred the dispute to the Katsina Emirate Council for discussions, though the end result of the proceedings has not been clearly established.

Amnesty calls for thorough investigation

Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the killing and known as on the authorities to analyze the incident successfully and produce these accountable 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 mentioned.

The human rights organisation described Masussuka as a preacher who constantly used his teachings to advertise cooperation, peaceable coexistence, interfaith dialogue and understanding amongst Muslim devoted.

It additionally famous that he spoke towards violent extremism and radicalisation.

Amnesty International additional mentioned the cleric had confronted threats to his life and intimidation throughout his lifetime, elevating considerations about whether or not earlier warnings have been adequately addressed.

The organisation’s intervention has added to requires the authorities to determine not solely who carried out the killing but in addition whether or not earlier threats or complaints might have offered warning of the hazard.

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

According to a report by PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday, the group made the declare in a video by which it cited Masussuka’s advocacy for peaceable coexistence amongst individuals of completely different faiths as one of the explanations for the assault.

The report mentioned the group additionally criticised the cleric’s non secular positions and issued threats towards others whose views it opposed.

Tinubu orders probe

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the homicide of Masussuka and his good friend. The president additionally ordered a radical investigation into the circumstances resulting in their killing, noting that perpetrators must be delivered to ebook.

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

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

Onanuga mentioned President Tinubu had prolonged his heartfelt condolences to the households of the deceased, their followers, in addition to the federal government and other people of Katsina State, over the tragic loss.

“The president has directed the Nigeria Police Force and different related safety companies to maneuver swiftly, intensify efforts already underway by the Katsina State Police Command, and make sure the perpetrators are tracked down, apprehended, and delivered 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 acknowledged.

Police launch manhunt

The Katsina State Police Command mentioned two armed males using on a motorbike opened fireplace on Masussuka and his affiliate earlier than fleeing.

The assault occurred at about 7:30pm in entrance of the cleric’s residence in Dutsin-Ma, in accordance with the police.

Both victims sustained deadly gunshot accidents and have been taken to a hospital, the place they have been pronounced lifeless.

The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar Fage, ordered the deployment of tactical and operational groups to trace down the assailants, whereas the command mentioned an investigation had commenced.

The police additionally expressed condolences to the households, pals and followers of the deceased and guaranteed residents that efforts would proceed to apprehend these accountable.

The cleric’s stays have been subsequently deposited on the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Katsina, for postmortem examination.

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

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

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