Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka Criticized Salafists and the Izala Group
Amnesty International Condemns Killing, Calls for Probe
By Ekani Olikita
(Katsina), Nigeria – A prominent Nigerian Islamic cleric known for promoting peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians was assassinated alongside his friend in northwestern Nigeria.
The killings have prompted condemnation and renewed concerns about a growing rift between the radical movement known as Salafism and voices advocating tolerance, typically Sufi Muslims.
The Katsina State Police Command confirmed that Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka and his friend, Adamu Abubakar, were shot dead on Monday, October 26, 2026, in Dutsin-Ma County, Katsina State.
According to police, two armed men riding a motorcycle opened fire on the victims in front of the cleric’s residence at approximately 7:30 p.m.
The terrorist group Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan, known as Ansaru and affiliated with al-Qaeda, subsequently claimed responsibility for the killing, citing the cleric’s religious teachings and advocacy of interfaith harmony
Terrorists Cite Religious Teachings
In a video obtained by Premium Times, Ansaru described Masussuka as an infidel and accused him of promoting heresy.
The group also threatened other people it accused of rejecting or questioning Hadith traditions (words and habits of the Prophet and sometimes his followers), warning them to abandon their positions or face attacks.
Some analysts warn that extremist violence may be expanding to the killing of individuals whose religious views challenge militant ideology.
“This means these are not just a territorial threat, as they can track and kill those who don’t agree with their ideology or who they consider threats even if those targets live far away from their bases,” said Taiwo Adebayo, a conflict and security governance researcher with the Institute of Security Studies (ISS) Africa, according to Premium Times.
“In the early days of Boko Haram insurgency, they operated like this, sending, ordering hits on clerics and political figures in towns, while hiding in the bush,” he said.
Sheikh Masussuka: Martyr for Tolerance
Born on September 19, 1979, Masussuka was an Islamic preacher, educator and peace advocate based in Dutsin-Ma County, Katsina State
He belonged to the Qur’aniyyun, or Quranist, movement, which emphasizes interpreting the Quran through its own passages rather than relying on Hadith traditions as authoritative sources of interpretation.
His teachings placed him at odds with some traditional Islamic scholars. In November 2025, the Katsina State Government summoned him following complaints about his preaching
The government had also acknowledged receiving complaints from Masussuka that members of the Izala Movement (Jama’atu Izalatul Bidia) were insulting him and threatening to attack him. The dispute was referred to the Katsina Emirate Council, and Governor Dikko Radda directed him to respond to allegations before a committee of Islamic scholars
Despite the controversy surrounding his teachings, Masussuka advocated peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians. In April 2024, he established Qur’an TV/Radio and Masussuka International School, which combined Quranic and conventional education.
In May 2025, the Network for Good Governance and Transparency honored him with a Peace Ambassador award for promoting interfaith dialogue.
Killed by Two Men on a Motorcycle — Resident
“Sheikh Masussuka’s residence is not far from mine,” said Abu Usman, a resident of Dustin-Ma County in a phone interview with TruthNigeria.
“He had a Television station and was always preaching between 8-9 pm. He was with a friend, preparing for a religious lecture at about 7:30 pm when two men on a bike, shouting Allahu Akbar, suddenly appeared, shot them and left”, Abu told TruthNigeria
Tinubu Condemns Killing
Amnesty International condemned the assassination and called for an effective, thorough and impartial investigation, urging authorities to bring anyone suspected of involvement to justice through a fair legal process.
The human rights organization said the cleric had faced threats and intimidation and was known for using his teachings to encourage cooperation, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also condemned the killings of Masussuka and Abubakar in a statement issued Tuesday, October 27, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Tinubu described the murders as heinous acts and called for swift arrests. .
Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani said prominent clerics assassinated in northern Nigeria over the past 15 years shared troubling characteristics: speaking against extremism, advocating religious tolerance and naming terrorist leaders or groups in their sermons.
Solomon Dalung, a former Nigerian minister of sports development and a Christian leader in a phone interview with TruthNigeria Correspondent, described Masussuka as a friend, and said the killing represented a blow to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
“The assassination of Sheikh Masussuka is another Voice of Peace silenced by the bullets of Intolerance”, he told TruthNigeria
Dalung called for a transparent investigation to identify the perpetrators and any sponsors, warning that impunity could encourage further violence.
Why the Killing Matters
Masussuka’s assassination underscores the fault line between Salafist radicals and religious leaders who advocate peaceful relations across faith communities.
For communities already affected by insecurity, justice for Masussuka and Abubakar would also send a message that religious disagreement cannot justify murder.
Ekani Olikita is a Conflict Reporter for TruthNigeria.
