Yahaya Masussuka was awarded a peace prize last year by Nigeria’s Network for Good Governance and Transparency
An outspoken Muslim cleric has been killed in a shooting outside his residence in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, northern Nigeria.
Yahaya Masussuka, 47, was reportedly bidding farewell to guests on Monday evening when two gunmen riding a motorcycle opened fire on him.
One visitor also sustained gunshot injuries during the attack.
Police confirmed that both victims were taken to a medical facility, where doctors declared them dead.
Authorities have yet to establish the motive behind the killing. However, Masussuka had reportedly received threats through social media following the publication of videos challenging certain traditional Islamic doctrines.
The preacher relied primarily on the Quran, Islam’s sacred scripture, while disputing aspects of the Hadith, a compilation of accounts concerning Prophet Muhammad’s sayings and actions.
Among the beliefs he challenged was the teaching that angels question the deceased in their graves, with their responses determining whether they experience peace or punishment before the Day of Judgement.
His criticism of these religious interpretations previously resulted in a nine-month prison sentence after he ridiculed prominent Islamic scholars over their doctrines.
Masussuka began delivering religious teachings at the age of 13 while attending Quranic institutions. He subsequently pursued further studies at Egypt’s Al-Azhar University before continuing his education in Oman.
The father of seven, who had two wives, maintained a recording studio at his residence, where he produced religious messages for distribution to his followers online.
Beyond his theological views, the cleric spoke against religious radicalisation and violent extremism, while promoting cooperation between Muslims and Christians.
His advocacy for peaceful coexistence earned him a Peace Ambassador Award from Nigeria’s Network for Good Governance and Transparency last year.
Nigeria has experienced decades of deadly communal and religious conflicts, claiming thousands of lives across different communities.
Masussuka’s killing follows a series of attacks on influential Muslim preachers in northern Nigeria.
At least six other prominent clerics have reportedly been murdered over the past 20 years, with several targeted by Boko Haram after condemning the extremist organisation.
The militant group, which emerged in northeastern Nigeria in 2009, opposes Western influence, secular governance and conventional education, seeking to establish an Islamic state.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong