Idris Abdulaziz, a prominent Islamic cleric in Bauchi, has passed away. The Dutsen Tanshi Majlis, his Islamic centre, announced his demise on its Facebook page late Thursday.
His funeral prayer was held on Friday morning at the Games Village in Bauchi.
Abdulaziz was the founder of Dutsen Tanshi Majlis Bauchi, a renowned Islamic centre known for propagating Sunnah in the Bauchi metropolis. He was a respected figure in Northern Nigeria, particularly among Hausa-speaking communities, and his lectures attracted thousands of listeners.
The cleric had been bedridden throughout the month of Ramadan, and his students had taken over his lectures at the centre. Although the cause of his death was not disclosed, his health issues had been a concern for some time.
Abdulaziz had a history of controversy, particularly with the Bauchi State Government. He had fled into exile amid a feud with Governor Bala Muhammad but returned home after the intervention of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu ¹. His criticisms of Sufi scholars had also ignited controversy, with some accusing him of disrespecting a religious creed.
Despite the controversies, Abdulaziz remained a respected figure in Islamic circles. His legacy as a scholar and preacher will continue to inspire many in Northern Nigeria and beyond.
