Prominent Islamic preacher, Sheikh Albani Zaria, wife, murdered in Zaria

Albani Zaria and his wife were shot as they drove home after his usual evening sermon.
A well-regarded Islamic preacher in Zaria, Kaduna state, Sheikh Muhamman Auwal Albani Zaria, and one of his wives were on Saturday night murdered by unknown gunmen as they drove home after the cleric’s usual Taksfir lecture.
A resident of the city, Abdullahi Barau, told PREMIUM TIMES the cleric was shot around the Gaskiya Area of the city, where he has a school, shortly before 10 p.m.
Mr. Barau said the cleric’s wife died on the spot while Sheikh Albani Zaria was rushed to the nearby St. Luke’s Hospital where he was declared dead.
It is not clear why the cleric was targeted. The spokesperson of the Kaduna state Command of the police, Aminu Lawan, could not be reached for comments. His telephone was switched off the several times PREMIUM TIMES called on Sunday morning.
When contacted, the state Police Commissioner, Olufemi Adenaike, simply said, “call me later, call me later” after our reporter put his question.
Mr. Albani Zaria is a well-regarded Islamic cleric in his Zaria base as well as in the entire Kaduna state, and even beyond.
Those who know him well said he is known for delivering fiery and radical sermons and was once incarcerated for his preaching.
Until his death, he was the leader of the Islamic Salafiyya movement.

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