An Islamic cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Masussuka, has been shot dead by suspected gunmen outside his residence in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State on Monday night.
Penpushing reports that the Command confirmed the killing adding that the attackers were riding a motorcycle when they opened fire on the cleric, stating that the incident reportedly occurred at about 9 p.m. near the entrance to the deceased residence.
The photographs circulating on social media purportedly showed residents gathered outside the cleric’s residence following the shooting, however, it could not be ascertained where or when the images were taken.
Penpushing further reports that the circumstances surrounding the attack and the identities of those responsible remain, while it was also reported that another person was shot during the attack, although accounts differed over the person’s identity and whether he survived.
The police spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq, acknowledged enquiries from journalists in a police WhatsApp group at 10:44 p.m. on Monday, adding that he would respond to their calls as soon as possible.
Penpushing also reports that as at the time of filing this report Sadiq had not provided additional details on the sad incident, however, the late cleric was an Islamic preacher based in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, although he was originally from Bauchi State.
The deceased was known for his Quran-centred teachings, particularly his rejection of certain Hadith traditions, which brought him into disagreement with other Islamic scholars, while his sermons also attracted considerable attention on social media.
Penpushing reports that he established Qur’an TV/Radio and Masussuka International School in Dutsin-Ma in April 2024, while the school was designed to provide both Qur’anic and conventional education.
The deceased also advocated peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians, and in June 2025, the Network for Good Governance and Transparency honoured him with a Peace Ambassador award at an event in Katsina.
Penpushing further reports that in November 2025, Katsina State Government summoned the cleric following complaints that some of his teachings contravened Islamic principles, as government also acknowledged receiving complaints from Masussuka that members of Jama’atu Izalatul Bidia were insulting him and threatening to attack him.
The matter was referred to the Katsina Emirate Council, where both sides were invited for discussions, and Governor Dikko Radda subsequently directed the cleric to respond to the allegations before a committee of Islamic scholars.
Meanwhile, as at the time of filing this report there is no evidence linking the earlier religious dispute or the reported threats to Monday’s killing.
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