A 54-year-old social media political commentator, Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu, has been killed at his residence in Gaida, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State.
Dan Shagamu was reportedly found dead in the early hours of Wednesday after unidentified men allegedly broke into his home and attacked him.
His elder sister, Aisha Muhammad Lawal, told Daily Trust that a family member received a call about the incident around 12:30 a.m.
She said police officers were already at the scene when her son arrived and that the victim was taken to hospital before the family was handed his remains around 2:30 a.m.
The family said it was not aware of anyone specifically suspected of the killing but appealed to the government to ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
Dan Shagamu, a married father of six, was known for posting videos and making commentary on political, religious and community issues under the brand Dan Shagamu International.
Victim Had Earlier Raised Alarm
The killing has attracted additional concern because Dan Shagamu had previously claimed that his life was under threat.
In a video posted on social media before his death, he appealed to the Kano State Governor, the Emir of Kano and the police for protection, alleging repeated harassment and death threats from neighbours.
He claimed that children had thrown stones at him, damaged his television and gathered around his residence to insult and threaten him.
According to him, he had reported the matter to local traditional authorities but believed the issue had gone beyond their ability to resolve.
Dan Shagamu also posted footage showing children outside his residence, which he said was evidence of the threats against him.
Police Arrest Two Suspects
The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with the killing.
The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said the suspects were in police custody while investigations continued.
Asked whether the killing was linked to Dan Shagamu’s social media activities, Kiyawa said preliminary findings did not establish such a connection.
He attributed the incident, based on information gathered from the suspects so far, to alleged “envy and hatred by neighbours.”
Kwankwaso, Amnesty Demand Justice
Former Kano State governor and NDC vice-presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso condemned the killing and called on the state government to immediately constitute an investigative panel to thoroughly investigate the incident.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf also condemned the killing, describing it as barbaric and inhuman.
Through his Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, the governor expressed condolences to the family and urged security agencies to investigate the case and ensure that anyone found guilty was punished according to law.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International has demanded a full investigation, describing the killing as a grave violation and warning about threats, intimidation and violence against outspoken citizens as the 2027 elections approach.
The rights organisation urged authorities to ensure that anyone suspected of involvement is brought to justice, stressing that critics and outspoken citizens should be protected rather than targeted.
