Prominent Katsina Cleric Sheikh Masussuka Murdered by Ansaru

Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka, a 47-year-old Islamic cleric based in Katsina, was shot dead on Monday evening alongside his associate Adamu Abubakar in front of his house in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State. The attack was claimed by the extremist group Ansaru.

Masussuka was known for his preaching of Quranic teachings while largely disregarding Hadith, which led to significant controversy and criticism from other Islamic scholars. He began preaching at the age of 13 and gained prominence through social media, becoming a vocal figure in the Qur’aniyun Islamic sect.

His rejection of certain Hadith traditions placed him at odds with mainstream Islamic beliefs, resulting in increased scrutiny and death threats, which he reportedly did not take seriously. Following public outcry, the Katsina State Government announced on November 18, 2025, that he would need to defend his teachings before a committee of Islamic scholars, but this meeting did not occur.

Amnesty International has called for a thorough investigation into his murder.