Dahiru Usman Bauchi

Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi (29 June 1927 – 26 November 2025) was a Nigerian Islamic scholar, preacher and leading figure of the Tijaniyya Sufi order in Nigeria. He was regarded as one of the country's most influential Muslim clerics and was widely known for his Qur'anic exegesis (tafsir), Islamic education and preaching across Nigeria and West Africa.

Early life and education

Bauchi was born on 29 June 1927 in what was then the Northern Region of colonial Nigeria. He received his early Islamic education from his father, Alhaji Usman, under whom he memorised the Qur'an. He later studied under several prominent Islamic scholars, including Shaykh Tijani Usman Zangon Bare-Bari, Abubakar Atiku and Shaykh Abdulqadir Zaria, eventually receiving authorisation (ijazah) in the Tijaniyya order.

Career

Bauchi became one of Nigeria's foremost Islamic scholars and a prominent leader of the Tijaniyya movement. Through his regular Qur'anic commentaries (tafsir), public lectures and religious gatherings, he attracted large followings within Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

He also served as Deputy Chairman of the Fatwa Committee of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.

2009 detention

During the 2009 pilgrimage to Mecca, Bauchi was briefly detained by Saudi Arabian security authorities following tensions involving different Islamic groups from Nigeria. He was later released.

Views on the Zaria massacre

Following the 2015 Zaria massacre, Bauchi criticised the actions of the Nigerian military and attributed responsibility for the killings to the authorities.

Personal life

Bauchi was married into the family of the Senegalese Tijani scholar Ibrahim Niass.

Death

Bauchi died on 26 November 2025 after a prolonged illness at the age of 98.