Shahid Yunusa Abdussalam K/Wali was born on April 9, 1997, in Unguwar Rumi 2, Kofar Arewa, Kauran Wali, Kudan Local Government Area, Kaduna State. His father was Malam Abdussalam and his mother was Malam Khadija.
From a young age, Shahid Yunusa showed a strong dedication to learning. He completed his primary education and then pursued extensive Quranic studies, first with Malam Hamza, and later with Malam Sa'idu in Ciromawa, where he successfully completed his Quranic recitation. He continued his religious education, studying books of Sunnah and Ahlul Bait under Malam Sa'idu. Upon returning home, he balanced his religious pursuits with Western education, attending Government Junior Secondary School Kauran Wali, while also continuing to study religious texts with Malam Umar Kauran Wali.
Shahid Yunusa earned his livelihood as a 'Yari,' a trade involving the sale of wristwatches, earrings, and rings. He was known for his deep commitment to his faith, demonstrating unwavering obedience to Allah. He was diligent in his daily prayers, including the five obligatory prayers and night prayers, especially during Ramadan, and made efforts to observe voluntary fasts on Mondays and Thursdays.
His character was marked by a love for humor and a special fondness for children, with whom he enjoyed playing while also guiding them away from foolishness. He was passionate about seeking knowledge, both religious and secular, and was known for his dislike of seeing sisters not wearing socks, reflecting his adherence to Islamic modesty. He also had a strong desire to serve the community.
Shahid Yunusa often shared profound advice with those he trusted, emphasizing the importance of seeking knowledge—both religious and modern—and acting upon that knowledge in interactions with others. He stressed the need for both supplication and effort in one's endeavors, leading his friends to coin the phrase, "Even with prayer, there must be effort."
His parents bore witness to his exemplary character, describing him as obedient and respectful towards his elders, calm, and never engaging in idle talk. They highlighted his steadfastness in worship and his commitment to truth, noting his aversion to lies and his efforts to advise others against falsehood. His father further recounted that Shahid Yunusa avoided places of useless chatter and was a deeply contemplative individual.
Shahid Yunusa Abdussalam K/Wali achieved martyrdom on January 26, 2021, during a 'Free Zakzaky Protest' in Abuja. Despite not being very familiar with Abuja, his strong desire to participate in the demonstration led him to join, accompanied by others who knew the route. He was unmarried at the time of his martyrdom.