KATSINA, Nigeria — November 18, 2025.
The Katsina State Government has announced a formal investigation into allegations that the teachings and preaching style of Malam Yahaya Masussuka contravene the general principles of Islamic law and pose a threat to peaceful coexistence among Muslims in the state.
According to an official statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), authorities received complaints from members of the public as well as counter-complaints from Malam Yahaya’s followers, who alleged that members of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a had insulted and threatened him.
To address the escalating tension, the concerns were first forwarded to the Katsina Emirate Council under the leadership of the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman. The Emir subsequently invited Malam Yahaya and other scholars to his palace for dialogue. During the meeting, the Emir cautioned all parties and emphasized that no preacher is permitted to propagate teachings in a manner that offends other Muslims.
However, the government noted that despite the intervention, reports indicated that the situation had not improved. In the interest of maintaining peace and harmony, the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Garba Faskari, in a statement endorsed by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, directed Malam Yahaya to appear before a committee of Ulama to respond to the allegations.
The committee is expected to review standards and guidelines for preaching, after which appropriate action will be taken against any individual found violating established norms.
The statement urged the public to remain calm as the matter is being “judiciously handled.”
