Fatima Yahaya Musa Yusuf was born on 23 January 1996 in Lafia, Nasarawa State. She was the daughter of Malam Yahaya Yusuf Musa and Malama Aisha Usman, raised in a large family alongside six full siblings and fourteen paternal half-siblings.
Fatima began her early education at Lafia East Primary School in Kwaja at the age of four. After finishing her secondary schooling, she enrolled in the School of Health to prepare for a career in community medical care. Alongside her academic pursuits, she worked as a seamstress, sewing hijabs and everyday garments for women.
Deeply devoted to her faith, Fatima was known for her modesty, voluntary fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, and regular observance of night prayers (Tahajjud). When some around her expressed irritation over her late-night supplications, she responded with forbearance and harbored no resentment. Dedicated to the teachings of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, she had also traveled to Zaria in earlier years, where she served in the youth corps (Jaish) alongside Shaheed Ahmad Zakzaky.
When peaceful demonstrations began in Abuja demanding the release of Sheikh Zakzaky, Fatima was among the first seventeen youth to take part. She continually encouraged her companions to endure trials with patience, advising a close friend:
"No matter the hardship, do not abandon the struggle; strive to remain steadfast."
In the period leading up to her death, Fatima spoke openly of her impending martyrdom. When her mother began purchasing household items for her anticipated wedding, Fatima asked her to stop:
"Please stop buying things for me, for I am going to attain martyrdom. Sacrifice is what families ought to offer, as it inspires others to act; I, too, will attain martyrdom one of these days."
She introduced her father to her friends so they would know how to reach him if she did not return. She also shared a vivid dream with a friend in which a soldier opened fire: when her friend recoiled, Fatima explained, "It was not you who was shot; it was me," pointing to the side of her head and saying, "Look, this is where I will be shot." When her friend urged her not to rush, Fatima replied:
"I must, because today we are going to meet our destiny, and you do not yet truly know me."
On 18 September 2018, at the age of twenty-two, Fatima was fatally shot in the head by security personnel during a peaceful procession in Abuja. During the aftermath, her parent searched among the wounded and fallen, eventually locating Fatima's body and offering gratitude to Allah for her steadfast sacrifice.