Mohammed Yusuf (Boko Haram)

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Mohammed Yusuf (29 January 1970 – 30 July 2009) was a Nigerian Islamist militant who founded the group Boko Haram in 2002 and led it until his death in 2009.

He was born in Girgi village, Jakusko (now in Yobe State) and studied Islam, adopting a strict, Salafi interpretation. He believed that Islamic law should be applied very strictly.

Under his leadership, Boko Haram carried out attacks against rival Muslim groups.

In July 2009, during a major uprising, Yusuf was captured by Nigerian security forces and handed to the police. He was publicly executed in Maiduguri. Authorities said he died after being shot during an escape attempt or a gunfight.

Yusuf had four wives and 11 children. One of his sons, Abu Musab al-Barnawi, later claimed leadership of Boko Haram and opposed Abubakar Shekau.

In a 2009 interview, he criticized Western-style education and some scientific ideas, saying they conflicted with Islam.