Gunmen have shot dead prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Yahaya Masusuka and his associate, Adamu Abubakar, outside the cleric’s residence in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Jihadist group Ansaru has subsequently claiming responsibility for the attack.
The killing occurred on Monday evening when two armed men riding on a motorcycle opened fire on the victims at the entrance to Masusuka’s residence before fleeing, according to the Katsina State Police Command.
The victims were rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment but were later pronounced dead, the police said.
The command said it had launched an investigation and deployed tactical and operational teams to track down the assailants. No arrests had been announced as of the time of filing this report.
The group Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan, popularly known as Ansaru, claimed responsibility in a four-minute video obtained by Premium Times on Tuesday.
In the video, the group accused Masusuka of promoting peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths and challenging its extremist ideology.
Ansaru described the cleric as an arnai, a term it used to label him an infidel, and alleged that he was involved in efforts to disrupt Islam and confuse Muslims.
The group also claimed Masusuka had been invited to participate in a mukabala, or religious debate, but declined. It issued threats against others it accused of belittling the Hadiths, the recorded sayings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad.
Masusuka was known for his Quran-centred teachings and advocacy for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians of different faiths. He had also spoken against violent extremism and radicalisation.
The cleric had previously attracted controversy over his religious teachings. On November 18, 2025, the Katsina State Government announced that he would be required to defend his teachings before a committee of Islamic scholars. However, there is no independently established evidence linking that earlier controversy to his killing.
Masusuka was reportedly preparing to organise a religious gathering in Katsina State later this week.
Amnesty International condemned the killing and called on Nigerian authorities to investigate the attack thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice. The organisation also said the cleric had faced threats and intimidation during his lifetime.