Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka, a Quran-focused preacher based in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, was shot dead outside his home on Monday evening, 26 October. The Katsina State Police Command confirmed the killing, and no group or person has been identified as responsible.
Police spokesperson Abubakar Sadiq said two gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire and fled, according to QED. The outlet reports that a friend of the cleric, Adamu Abubakar, was also killed, and that both were pronounced dead at hospital. Premium Times says accounts of the second victim differ. Commissioner of Police Ali Fage has ordered teams to track down the attackers, and police have given no motive.
Governor Dikko Radda condemned the attack and said those responsible must be brought to justice. President Bola Tinubu directed security agencies to arrest the attackers. Amnesty International also condemned the killing, said Masussuka had faced threats and intimidation over the years, and called for an immediate and effective investigation.
Masussuka was originally from Bauchi State. He built a following with teaching centred on the Quran, including his rejection of certain hadith, which put him at odds with other Islamic scholars. In 2024 he set up Qur’an TV/Radio and Masussuka International School in Dutsin-Ma, and he preached peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians.
In November 2025, the Katsina State Government summoned him over complaints that some of his teachings broke Islamic principles. He had complained that members of Jama’atu Izalatul Bidia were insulting and threatening him. The matter went to the Katsina Emirate Council, and Radda directed him to answer the allegations before a committee of scholars. Authorities have not established any link between that dispute and Monday’s killing.
