Prominent Islamic cleric Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka was shot dead outside his home in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, on Monday, 26 October 2026, in an attack that has drawn national condemnation and demands for an immediate, independent investigation.
ASHENEWS reports that Masussuka’s associate, Adamu Abubakar, was also killed in the shooting.
Police said two gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire at about 7:30 p.m. at the entrance to the cleric’s residence, as he was seeing off visitors. Masussuka, 47, and Abubakar were taken to hospital but were pronounced dead by the attending doctor.
Threats preceded killing
Amnesty International said Masussuka had faced near-daily death threats, including video messages circulated widely on social media, and had documented both online and offline threats against him. The organisation urged Nigerian authorities to investigate those threats, along with claims of responsibility for the murder.
The extremist group Ansaru, formerly known as Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan, has released an audio message claiming responsibility and denouncing the preacher. Security agencies have not independently verified the claim, and police have not publicly named any suspects.
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Outcry and government response
President Bola Tinubu condemned the killings and directed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation. The Katsina State Police Command said tactical and operational units had been instructed to track down those responsible.
Amnesty International described the attack as part of a broader failure by Nigerian security agencies to protect people at evident risk. It said the authorities must demonstrate both the willingness and capacity to protect citizens from religiously motivated vilification and violence, particularly in northern Nigeria.
Calls for justice
Civil society groups have joined calls for a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation, warning that failure to hold the killers accountable could embolden religious intolerance and silence people with differing views.
Masussuka was known for preaching against violent religious extremism and promoting interfaith dialogue and peace. Rights advocates say his killing underscores the urgent need for Nigeria to protect freedom of religion and expression for all citizens, regardless of their beliefs or opinions.
The Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, later confirmed that no autopsy had been conducted on Masussuka’s remains, a detail likely to add to concerns about the integrity of the investigation.
