Kano political commentator found dead in his home

Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu, a political commentator active on social media, has been killed in his home in Gaida, Kano State.

Details around his death are still unclear, but there are calls for the authorities to investigate immediately.

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and opposition politician, raised the alarm in a post on X on Tuesday. He said Dan Shagamu’s body was discovered in a pool of blood in his home.

“I am deeply disturbed by the killing of the renowned social media political commentator Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu, whose body was found today in a pool of his blood at his home in Kano. Dan Shagamu was brutally slaughtered in a horrific attack,” Kwankwaso stated.

He urged the Kano State Government to set up an investigative panel to look into the case and bring those responsible to justice.

“Should the authorities fail to take decisive and transparent action, the incoming NDC Government will, upon assumption of office, launch a full investigation and take all necessary steps to hold those responsible accountable,” he added.

Kwankwaso also called on both the state and Federal Governments to protect opposition voices from threats and attacks. He emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression.

Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the killing and demanded a thorough investigation.

In a statement on its social media platforms, the organization confirmed that Dan Shagamu’s body was found in a pool of blood in his home in Gaida. They urged authorities to investigate the case and ensure that anyone believed to be involved is brought to justice.

“In a democracy, outspoken persons or critics are accommodated, listened to, not killed,” Amnesty International stated.

The group expressed concern over what they described as politically motivated threats and intimidation as elections draw near.

Husaini Mai Riga, the Kano State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, called the killing “deeply disturbing and unacceptable.”

In a statement, Mai Riga noted that this incident is a serious threat to press freedom, public safety, and democratic values in the state. He urged the Kano State Government and security agencies to quickly investigate the killing, identify the culprits, and ensure they are prosecuted by the law.

The NDC chairman also called on authorities to boost security for journalists across the state. He said journalists should be able to do their jobs without fear or intimidation.

According to him, journalists play an important role in informing the public, promoting accountability, and strengthening democracy.

Mai Riga advised journalists and the public to stay calm while seeking justice for Dan Shagamu. He extended his condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, colleagues, and the wider journalism community, praying for the peace of his soul.