Family Mourns Kano Commentator Found Slain at Home

A family in Gaida, Kano State, is grieving the loss of a loved one after social media political commentator Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu was found dead at his home, in circumstances that remain unclear as authorities face mounting pressure to investigate.

Former Kano State governor and opposition politician, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, was among the first to raise the alarm, describing the discovery of his body in a post on X on Tuesday.

"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 said.

He called on the state government to set up a panel to investigate, warning of consequences if officials failed to act.

"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 said.

Kwankwaso also urged state and federal authorities to protect opposition voices from threats and attacks, stressing that freedom of expression is guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.

Amnesty International Nigeria also condemned the killing, confirming in a statement shared on its social media platforms that Dan Shagamu's body was found in a pool of blood at his home in Gaida, and calling on authorities to ensure anyone responsible faced justice.

"In a democracy, outspoken persons or critics are accommodated, listened to, not killed," the organisation said, adding that it was concerned by what it described as reports of politically related threats and intimidation as elections approach.

The Kano State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Husaini Mai Riga, said the killing was "deeply disturbing and unacceptable" and warned that it posed a serious threat to press freedom, public safety and democratic values in the state.

He called on the Kano State Government and security agencies to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing, identify those responsible and ensure their prosecution in accordance with the law.

Mai Riga also urged authorities to strengthen security for journalists across the state, saying they should be able to perform their professional duties without fear or intimidation, and noted that journalists play a vital role in informing the public, promoting accountability and strengthening democracy.

As the case unfolds, Mai Riga appealed for calm among journalists and members of the public while they await justice, and extended his condolences to Dan Shagamu's family.

He urged journalists and members of the public to remain calm while calling for justice for Dan Shagamu, and expressed condolences to the deceased's family, colleagues, friends and the wider journalism community, praying for the repose of his soul.