Renowned Islamic scholar Rigi-Rigi passes on

A prominent Islamic scholar based in Zaria, Sheikh Khalifa Usman Idris, popularly known as Rigi-Rigi, has died.

The death of the cleric was confirmed on Monday morning by his son-in-law, Malama Abubakar Ɗanyaro, who spoke with Daily Trust.

According to him, Sheikh Idris passed away on Sunday night at a private hospital in Kaduna, after a brief illness.

Ɗanyaro disclosed that the funeral prayer is scheduled to hold on Monday after the Asr prayer at the scholar’s residence in the Kusfa area of Zaria.

He added that the late cleric was initially admitted at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, before he was later transferred to a private hospital in Barnawa, where he eventually died.

Sheikh Khalifa Usman Idris was widely known for his distinctive and humorous preaching style, which endeared him to many followers across northern Nigeria.

Videos of his sermons were also widely circulated on social media, earning him a strong following beyond traditional religious circles.