Mohammed Yusuf (Boko Haram) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mohammed Yusuf
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| Born | 29 January 1970 Yobe |
| Died | 30 July 2009 (aged 39) Maiduguri |
| Allegiance | Boko Haram |
| Years of service | 2002–2007 |
| Rank | Leader |
| Battles/wars | Boko Haram insurgency
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Mohammed Yusuf (born January 29, 1970 – died July 30, 2009) was a Nigerian leader. He founded a group called Boko Haram in 2002. He led this group until he died during a conflict in 2009.
The full name of his group is Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad. This long Arabic name means "People Committed to the Propagation of the Teachings and Jihad." Mohammed Yusuf was born in a village called Girgi in Yobe State, Nigeria. He went to university and later studied more about the Islamic faith.
Mohammed Yusuf's Education and Beliefs
Mohammed Yusuf studied a lot about Islam. He learned about different Islamic ideas, including Salafism. A scholar named Paul Lubeck noted that Yusuf was taught about Shiism when he was young.
He believed very strongly in following Islamic law strictly. He thought this was the best way to achieve justice. Yusuf's group sometimes acted against members of other Muslim groups.
In 2009, Mohammed Yusuf gave an interview to the BBC. He shared some of his unique beliefs during this interview. He said he believed that the idea of a round Earth was wrong. He thought it went against Islamic teachings.
He also did not believe in Darwin's theory of evolution. Yusuf also rejected the scientific explanation of how rain forms. He said:
"There are important Islamic teachers who have seen that Western-style education has ideas that go against our Islamic beliefs.
For example, with rain. We believe it is a creation of God. We do not believe it is caused by evaporation from the sun that then condenses.
Also, saying the world is a sphere. If it goes against Allah's teachings, we reject it. We also reject the theory of Darwinism."
Mohammed Yusuf's Family Life
Mohammed Yusuf had four wives and 12 children. One of his children was Abu Musab al-Barnawi. Abu Musab al-Barnawi later claimed to be the leader of Boko Haram himself. This happened in 2016, and he disagreed with another leader, Abubakar Shekau.
Reports also said that Mohammed Yusuf lived a comfortable life. He owned and drove a Mercedes-Benz car.
Mohammed Yusuf's Death
In July 2009, there was a conflict involving Boko Haram. The Nigerian military captured Mohammed Yusuf. They then handed him over to the Nigerian police.
The police killed Yusuf in public outside their headquarters in Maiduguri. At first, police officials said he was shot while trying to escape. They also claimed he died from injuries during a fight with the military.
