Nigeria has lost one of its most influential Islamic scholars, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, whose death was confirmed in the early hours of Thursday.
The respected cleric, widely regarded as one of the leading figures of the Tijjaniyya Islamic order in the country, passed away after decades of religious service and scholarship.
A former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, announced the development in a post on X, expressing sorrow over the cleric’s passing and praying for divine mercy upon him.
Ahmad described Sheikh Bauchi as a towering spiritual leader whose teachings shaped the beliefs of many Muslims across Nigeria and beyond.
The scholar’s son, Sayyadi Ali Dahiru Usman Bauchi, also confirmed the news in a telephone conversation with Daily Trust.
Speaking from Madinah, he expressed gratitude to God for his father’s long and impactful life.
“Sheikh has returned to his Creator. We are all from Allah and to Him we shall return,” he said. “We thank Almighty Allah for granting him a long life filled with blessings and purpose. His journey on earth was fulfilled, and we are grateful.”
Sayyadi noted that burial arrangements had not yet been finalised, adding that decisions would be taken by the family in consultation with relevant authorities.
He said it was still unclear whether the cleric would be laid to rest in Abuja or in his home state of Bauchi.
As of the time of filing this report, both the family and the Bauchi State Government were yet to issue an official statement.
Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, revered across West Africa, was known for his extensive Qur’anic scholarship, his annual Tafsir sessions, and his decades-long role in promoting peaceful religious practice, education, and spiritual discipline.
More updates are expected as details emerge.
