Popular Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Usman Kusfa ‘Rigi-Rigi’, Dies At 57

A popular Islamic cleric based in Zaria, Kaduna State, Sheikh Usman Idris Kusfa, popularly known as ‘Rigi-Rigi’, has died at the age of 57.

The death of the cleric was confirmed on Monday by a senior disciple, Nasiruddeen Umar, also known as Baharu, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Zaria.

Umar said Sheikh Kusfa passed away in the early hours of Monday at a hospital in Kaduna after battling an illness for several months.

According to him, the late cleric is survived by four wives, 37 children, and several grandchildren.

Umar further disclosed that the funeral prayer for the deceased has been scheduled to hold at Kusfa, Zaria City, by 4:30 p.m. on Monday.

Sheikh Kusfa, a member of the Tijjaniyya sect, was widely known for his unconventional and humorous approach to Islamic teaching. His distinctive preaching style, often infused with comedy and references to unusual names of past Islamic scholars, endeared him to many followers and sparked curiosity among Muslims.

In recent years, he gained widespread recognition on social media platforms, particularly on Facebook and TikTok, where his sermons attracted a large audience. Fondly known by several nicknames, including ‘Rigi-Rigi’ and ‘Attalili-Attagazuti’, the cleric was regarded as a unique voice in Islamic scholarship who combined humour with religious instruction.

Sheikh Kusfa hailed from Zaria, Kaduna State, where he spent much of his life teaching, preaching, and mentoring his followers.