Former Kano State governor and NDC vice-presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Amnesty International have condemned the reported killing of social media political commentator, Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu, in Kano State.
Dan Shagamu was reportedly found dead in a pool of blood inside his residence in the Gaida area of Kumbotso Local Government Area of the state.
In separate statements, Kwankwaso and Amnesty International called on the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.
Kwankwaso described the killing as deeply disturbing and urged the Kano State Government to immediately constitute an investigative panel to establish the circumstances surrounding Dan Shagamu’s death.
“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,” Kwankwaso said.
He described the incident as a “horrific attack” and urged the state government to take decisive action.
“I strongly urge the Kano State Government to immediately constitute an investigative panel to thoroughly probe this incident and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said.
Kwankwaso warned that failure by the authorities to take transparent action would prompt an incoming NDC administration to investigate the matter.
“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.
He also called on the state and federal governments to protect opposition voices, stressing that freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed.
“The Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression for all citizens, and this right must shield everyone from threats, attacks, and intimidation,” Kwankwaso said.
Amnesty International also condemned the reported killing, saying Dan Shagamu was allegedly overpowered by his attackers before he was brutally killed.
“The Nigerian authorities must investigate this incident and ensure that those suspected of responsibility are brought to justice,” the organisation said.
Amnesty added: “In a democracy, outspoken persons or critics are accommodated, listened to, not killed.”
The human rights organisation further expressed concern over reports of killings, threats and intimidation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“We are seriously concerned that the Nigerian Government is doing very little to prevent widespread killings, threats, intimidations and other serious human rights violations — within and outside the context of upcoming elections,” Amnesty said.
Meanwhile, NDC Kano governorship candidate Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo also condemned the killing, describing it as “heinous, barbaric and totally condemnable.”
Gwarzo called on security agencies to immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, identify the perpetrators and prosecute them.
“The murder of Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu is deeply disturbing and condemnable. No disagreement, criticism or political difference should ever justify taking a human life,” Gwarzo said.
“The life of every citizen matters, regardless of political affiliation, opinion or social status. Those behind this terrible act must be found and brought to justice,” he added.
The NDC candidate urged residents to remain calm and avoid reprisal attacks, while calling on anyone with useful information to assist security agencies with their investigation.
Kwankwaso and Gwarzo extended their condolences to Dan Shagamu’s family, friends and followers, while Amnesty International reiterated its demand for a full investigation and accountability.
Danshagamu murder: Kwankwaso, Amnesty demand probe into killing of social media critic