Sheikh Masussuka: Cleric killed in Katsina after controversial teachings and reported threats
Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka, an Islamic cleric known for his Quran-centred teachings, was killed in Katsina State months after the government intervened in a religious dispute that included allegations of threats against him.
Gunmen have killed Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State, months after his teachings sparked controversy among Islamic scholars and prompted government intervention.
The cleric and his associate, identified as Adamu Abubakar, were shot dead outside his residence on Monday, October 26, 2026. According to reports, two armed men riding a motorcycle carried out the attack before fleeing.
Masussuka’s death has drawn attention to a religious dispute that reached the Katsina State Government in November 2025. At the time, the government acknowledged receiving complaints about his teachings and a separate complaint from the cleric alleging that members of Jama’atu Izalatul Bidia had threatened to attack him.
Although the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation, authorities have not established a link between the reported threats and the killing.
What did Sheikh Masussuka teach that sparked controversy?
Masussuka was known for his Quran-centred interpretation of Islam, which placed him at odds with scholars who regarded the Hadith as an essential source of Islamic teachings.
Hadith refers to reports of the sayings, actions and approvals attributed to Prophet Muhammad. Alongside the Quran, these traditions guide the beliefs and practices of many Muslims.
Masussuka questioned the authority of Hadith and argued that religious teachings should be assessed against the Quran. His position attracted criticism from other Islamic scholars, particularly those who considered his views a rejection of established Islamic traditions.
His disagreements also extended to public preaching. Reports described him as a vocal critic of certain teachings associated with the Salafi tradition and the Jama’atu Izalatul Bidia movement.
The controversy was not merely about differences in preaching style. It concerned the sources of religious authority and how Muslims should interpret and practise their faith.
How the Katsina Government intervened
The dispute reached the Katsina State Government in November 2025, when officials summoned Masussuka over allegations that his sermons contravened established principles of Islamic law.
The Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, disclosed that the authorities had received complaints about the cleric’s teachings. The government also acknowledged Masussuka’s allegation that members of Jama’atu Izalatul Bidia were insulting him and threatening to attack him.
In an attempt to ease tensions, the government referred the matter to the Katsina Emirate Council. Both sides were invited to discuss their grievances.
Following the discussions, the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmuminu Kabir-Usman, urged religious preachers to avoid teachings that could offend others.
Governor Dikko Radda subsequently directed Masussuka to defend himself against the allegations before a committee of Islamic scholars, known as the Committee of Ulamas.
The government also announced plans to establish standards and guidelines for religious preaching, warning that action could be taken against individuals who violated them.
However, the committee’s final findings and conclusions were not made available to the public in the reports reviewed. Consequently, it remains unclear what determination the scholars reached concerning the allegations against Masussuka or whether the proceedings resulted in a formal resolution of the dispute.
Beyond the religious controversy
Despite the disagreements surrounding his teachings, Masussuka also engaged in education and efforts to promote peaceful coexistence.
He established Qur’an TV/Radio and Masussuka International School in Dutsin-Ma in April 2024. The school combined Qur’anic instruction with conventional education.
He also advocated peaceful relations between Muslims and Christians and spoke against violent extremism.
In June 2025, the Network for Good Governance and Transparency reportedly honoured him with a Peace Ambassador award in recognition of his advocacy.
These activities formed another part of his public profile, alongside the theological disagreements that brought him into the spotlight.
What is known about his killing?
The Katsina State Police Command confirmed the killing of Masussuka and his associate. Reports said the attackers opened fire outside the cleric’s residence before escaping on a motorcycle.
The police said an investigation had commenced, with tactical and operational teams deployed to help track down those responsible.
The attack has renewed interest in the cleric’s earlier dispute with fellow religious figures. However, the existence of that dispute does not establish who carried out the killing or why.
Investigators will need to establish the attackers’ identities and motive as they work to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
For now, Masussuka’s killing has left two central issues in the public domain: the unresolved questions surrounding the attack and the undisclosed outcome of the religious proceedings that brought his teachings before the Katsina authorities.