- Kano Police Command arrest two suspects
A social media commentator, Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu, 54, has been murdered in a gruesome midnight attack at his residence in Gaida, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State in the early hours of Wednesday.
The unfortunate incident sent shockwaves through the community with family members disclosing that the deceased was attacked by yet‑to‑be‑identified men who broke into his house and slaughtered him.
“I don’t know what actually transpired and how it happened. But I was told that two people have been arrested from the area. He has a wife and six children. We are calling on the government to help us ensure that justice is served.”
The family stated that they were not suspecting anyone in particular, but insisted that justice must be done, even as Shagamu’s death has sparked concerns among Kano residents, with many calling for stronger measures to protect citizens from violent attacks. The deceased was popular on social media for making videos and commenting on social and political issues.
Victim’s Earlier Alarm
Available reports showed that the victim had earlier raised an alarm of death threats with a recent video posted on his social media page, conveying allegations that his life was being threatened by some unknown persons.
With a passionate appeal to the Kano State governor, the Emir of Kano, and the Police for protection, late Dan Shagamu had disclosed being repeatedly harassed by neighbours and their children, saying in the video: “I need the support of the Kano governor, emir of Kano and the police. I have been receiving death threats from my neighbours.”
Narrating incidents of children pelting him with stones, damaging his television, and surrounding his house to insult him, Dan Shagamu said the matter was reported to the Gaida village head, who escalated it to the Ja’en village head, but said the issue was beyond their power.
Dan Shagamu, who operated under the brand Dan Shagamu International, insisted that the threats were known to people in the area and accused neighbours of conspiring against him, while also posted a video recording showing children outside his house.
He claimed the children were threatening to kill him, adding: “They are after me, and they are our neighbours’ children. The neighbours are aware but have conspired. I am asking for help, please”.
The late Dan Shagamu was known for his social media videos and commentary on political, religious and community issues, while his Facebook cover has his picture with Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Also, he has posted a lot of videos attacking the Tinubu-led federal government, while in one of the videos, he promoted Atiku Abubakar and called him incoming President. Also making religious commentaries, he was heard in one of his videos speaking against an Islamic cleric in Kano accused of blasphemy.
It’s Pure Barbarism – Gov Yusuf Condemns Attack
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has condemned the attack, calling it barbaric. The governor, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, said: “We condemn this in totality. It is barbaric and inhuman. There is no justification whatsoever for killing someone in this brutal manner.
“We condemn it in totality and send our condolences to his family. May Allah grant him eternal rest. We are also calling on security to investigate the matter and ensure that those found guilty are punished by law”.
The statement said the State will continue to do its best to ensure security of lives and property of citizens, especially now that election campaigns have started.
Police Nab Two Suspects
Meanwhile, the Kano State Police Command said two suspects have been arrested in connection with the unfortunate incidence, with the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirming that both of them are already in their custody while investigation is ongoing.
On possible confessions from the suspects and if the killing was connected to his social media activities, Kiyawa said, “From what we are able to gather from them so far, all we can say is that there is no correlation. It is just pure envy and hatred by neighbours.”
Kwankwaso Decries Brutal Killing
In his comments, former Kano State Governor and Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, condemned the murder of Dan Shagamu in a statement posted on his Facebook page.
The Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and former Presidential flag-bearer of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2023 general elecrions urged the state government “to immediately constitute an investigative panel to thoroughly probe this incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Amnesty International Demands Probe
On its part, global rights watchdog, Amnesty International, has condemned the killing of the Kano-based commentator, describing it as a grave violation that must be investigated.
In a statement titled: “Kano: Slaughter of Government Critic Must Be Investigated,” Amnesty said Dan Shagamu was found in a pool of blood at his home in Gaida, Kumbotso Local Government Area, after being overpowered and slaughtered by his attackers.
“The Nigerian authorities must investigate this incident and ensure that those suspected of responsibility are brought to justice. In a democracy, outspoken persons or critics are accommodated, listened to, not killed,” the organisation declared.
Expressing concern that “the Nigerian government was doing very little to prevent killings, threats, intimidation, and other human rights violations”, Amnesty warned that such attacks were occurring both within and outside the context of the upcoming elections.
The statement further said: “As the elections approach, we continue to receive disturbing reports of politically related threats to life and intimidation.” – With additional reports from Daily Trust
