Katsina Imam urges probe into cleric’s assassination

Notable Islamic cleric and social commentator, Muhammad Nure Khalid, popularly known as Digital Imam

Notable Islamic cleric and social commentator, Muhammad Nure Khalid, popularly known as Digital Imam, has called on the government to identify and prosecute those responsible for the killing of Katsina-based cleric, Sheikh Yahaya Ibrahim Masussuka.

Khalid, who made the call in an exclusive interview with our Correspondent on Saturday during the ongoing inter-faith peace gathering in Katsina, also warned against individuals exploiting the cleric’s assassination to incite violence and worsen insecurity in the country.

He noted that the government must ensure that those responsible for the killing were brought to justice, while urging the late cleric’s followers to remain committed to his message of peace.

“The government should have the responsibility of finding who they are and prosecuting them,” Khalid said.

He stressed that although some of Masussuka’s followers understood and embraced his message of peaceful coexistence, others could attempt to use his death to create unrest.

Khalid added, “I know that his followers are of two folds. There are those who understand his message of peace, and I want them to continue. But there are some who will hide behind his assassination and cause trouble for Nigeria.

“I urge the government to search for them and do the needful, not to allow them to create more insecurity in Nigeria,” he highlighted.

The Digital Imam said he attended the peace gathering because of its emphasis on prayers for peaceful, free and fair elections in Nigeria.

According to him, the event was planned before the assassination of Masussuka, but the organisers decided to proceed with it despite the development.

“I was invited to this event because it is a peace gathering, and the most important aspect of the gathering is the essence of it, that is, a prayer for violence-free elections in Nigeria.

“This is very important, and that is why I took all my time to be here in Katsina,” he said.

The Islamic cleric explained further that his decision to participate was also informed by the need to identify with those praying for peace and national stability at a time when the country faces security and political challenges.

Khalid observed that the late cleric’s death has continued to attract sympathy, following his assassination, arguing that the public response demonstrated the significance of his message.

He said, “Had it been they know it will turn out like this, they wouldn’t have killed him, because they are pushing to a destination, and a positive destination. Now, look at the sympathisers he gained after their dastardly and wicked action.”

The cleric also expressed concern over criticism of his religious identity by some social media users following his public comments on religious and national issues.

Responding to allegations by some commenters that he was not a true Muslim, Khalid rejected the suggestion that individuals had the authority to determine another person’s faith.

“We don’t wait for them to certify who is a true Muslim and who is not,” he said.

While  questioning the basis upon which people who challenge his religious identity make such declarations, Khalid argued that such rhetoric could deepen divisions within the Muslim community and fuel tensions between Muslims and Christians.

“If someone is not a terrorist or a potential terrorist, how will he have the audacity to certify someone’s faith? I’m not waiting for them to certify my faith. They have no jurisdiction to do so,” Khalid stated.

He further accused those making such declarations of contributing to religious tensions, saying they were among those who made it difficult for Muslims to live peacefully.

The Digital Imam called on Nigerians to reject religious hostility and embrace peaceful coexistence, stressing that the country needed unity rather than actions capable of escalating violence.

“I want to add that it is time for Nigeria to live in peace. It is time for Nigeria to live in peace,” he said.

Our correspondent reports that Khalid’s remarks came amid renewed calls for justice following the killing of Sheikh Masussuka, with appeals for calm and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the cleric’s death.