In brief
Yahaya Masussuka, a 47‑year‑old cleric known for challenging traditional Islamic teachings, was gunned down outside his house in Dutsin‑Ma. Two riders on a motorcycle fired shots, killing him and an accompanying guest. Masussuka had faced death threats for his critique of hadiths and was a former prison inmate and peace ambassador. His murder adds to a series of attacks on Muslim preachers in Nigeria by extremist groups. The incident highlights the dangers faced by religious voices promoting dialogue amid persistent sectarian tensions.
A 47‑year‑old preacher, Yahaya Masussuka, was gunned down outside his home in Dutsin‑Ma, Katsina, after saying farewell to visitors.
Two riders on a motorcycle fired shots that killed the cleric and a guest. Both were rushed to a local hospital but died.
Masussuka was known for critiquing traditional Islamic teachings, especially the belief that souls are questioned in the grave. His videos on social media sparked threats from followers of hard‑line interpretations.
He had studied at Al‑Azhar University in Egypt and in Oman, and had earlier been jailed for nine months after mocking respected scholars. He was also a Peace Ambassador, receiving Nigeria’s Network for Good Governance and Transparency award last year.
Katsina has seen violence from the Islamist insurgent group Boko Haram, which has targeted clerics who oppose the group since its 2009 uprising. In the past 25 years, religious tensions have cost thousands of lives.
Masussuka was married twice and had seven children, and had built a home studio to film his teachings for an online audience.
The 2026 assassination adds to a list of high‑profile Muslim preachers killed in Nigeria, underscoring the risks faced by voices promoting interfaith dialogue.
Reported by Mansur Abubakar, Abuja.
Published 32 minutes ago.
