Rights Group Urges Katsina Govt to Protect Religious Freedom, Defend Sheikh Masussuka

A human rights organisation, Ettrah: Voice for Freedom and Human Rights (VFFHR), has called on both the Federal Government and the Katsina S...

A human rights organisation, Ettrah: Voice for Freedom and Human Rights (VFFHR), has called on both the Federal Government and the Katsina State Government to uphold constitutional rights to religious freedom and expression in the wake of calls to restrict the preaching activities of Sheikh Yahya Ibrahim Masussuka.

In an open letter dated October 18, 2025, and signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Abdullahi Hassan (Shazy), the group expressed deep concern over what it described as “divisive appeals” by some religious groups seeking to silence the renowned Qur’anic scholar.

VFFHR stated that Sheikh Masussuka’s teachings have consistently promoted peaceful coexistence, unity, and national harmony, urging authorities to resist pressures that could undermine those values.

“We view these calls as an attempt to silence a peaceful scholar whose message has centered on unity, tolerance, and national harmony,” the group said.

The organisation emphasised that any attempt to suppress religious expression violates the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees citizens the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and expression.

Quoting Sections 38(1) and 39(1) of the Constitution, VFFHR reaffirmed that every Nigerian has the right to manifest and propagate their beliefs without intimidation or interference.

The statement further urged security agencies and government institutions to conduct themselves with fairness, wisdom, and respect for human rights, particularly in matters relating to religious expression.

“Any effort to marginalise a particular religious voice risks deepening misunderstanding and threatening national unity,” the group warned.

While commending Sheikh Masussuka’s contributions to peace and social progress, VFFHR reaffirmed its commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity, calling for continuous dialogue and respect among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities.