A prominent Islamic cleric in Zaria, Sheikh Usman Idris, popularly known as “Rigi-Rigi,” has passed away at the age of 57, marking the end of a widely respected religious life that touched both traditional and digital audiences.
The death of the cleric was confirmed on Monday by Malam Nasiruddeen Umar, also known as Baharu, a senior disciple of the late scholar, in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Zaria. According to Umar, Sheikh Usman, also referred to as Sheikh Usman Kusfa, died in the early hours of Monday at a private hospital in Kaduna after battling an illness for several months.
Sheikh Usman Idris was well known for his passionate Islamic teachings and sermons, which earned him a strong following in Zaria and beyond. In recent years, his influence expanded significantly through social media, particularly on TikTok and other digital platforms, where his short teachings and admonitions attracted thousands of followers across Nigeria and the diaspora. His ability to combine traditional Islamic scholarship with modern communication tools made him especially popular among younger audiences.
Followers and admirers have described the cleric as a devoted teacher who emphasized moral discipline, faith, and community responsibility. His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from students, fellow clerics, and social media followers who praised his dedication to Islamic education and da’awah.
Umar disclosed that the late cleric is survived by four wives, 37 children, and many grandchildren. He added that funeral prayers for Sheikh Usman Idris have been scheduled to take place on Monday at 4:30 p.m. in Kusfa, Zaria City.
The passing of Sheikh “Rigi-Rigi” is regarded as a significant loss to the Islamic community in northern Nigeria, particularly in Zaria, where he spent much of his life teaching and guiding others.
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