POPULAR Kano-based political commentator, Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu, has been murdered at his residence in Kano State, throwing his followers and the wider community into shock.
News Point Nigeria reports that Dan Shagamu, who operated under the brand Dan-Shagamu International, was known for his outspoken social media videos and commentary on politics, religion and community affairs. Amnesty International Nigeria confirmed his death on Wednesday, saying his body was discovered in a pool of blood inside his home.
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The rights organisation condemned the killing as brutal and called on the Nigerian authorities to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding his death and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“He was brutally slaughtered after being overpowered by his killers,” Amnesty International said.
The circumstances leading to the murder remained unclear as of Wednesday, with the police yet to publicly release details of the incident or announce any arrest.
However, unverified claims circulating on social media alleged that Dan Shagamu was killed in a particularly gruesome manner, including claims that his throat was slit.
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The allegations had not been independently verified as of the time of filing.
Reports described the alleged method as “yankan rago,” a Hausa expression commonly used to refer to throat-slitting.
Amnesty International also raised concern over what it described as a growing pattern of politically related threats and intimidation ahead of the elections.
“As the elections approach, we continue to receive disturbing reports of politically related threats to life and intimidation,” the organisation said, urging the Nigeria Police Force to thoroughly investigate the killing.
The rights organisation further urged the Nigerian authorities to investigate the incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
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News of Dan Shagamu’s murder has sparked an outpouring of grief across social media, with followers, friends and residents expressing disbelief over the death of the commentator whose videos had made him a familiar voice in Kano’s political and social discourse.
The killing has also heightened concerns over political violence and threats against outspoken commentators as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
