Gunmen have shot dead a Muslim cleric in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state in northeast Nigeria.

The cleric was known for giving sermons condemning the actions of the Boko Haram Islamic sect responsible for a series of violent attacks in recent months.

HE was killed outside a mosque in�Maiduguri after gunmen drove past and shot him at close range.

The police confirmed the shooting but gave no further details.

Witnesses say that the cleric was known in the local area for outspoken sermons against Boko Haram.

Boko Haram, whose name means "Western education is sinful", put up posters last month in Maiduguri warning of a "full-scale war" and telling civilians to stay away from politicians and members of the security forces.