Popular Kano-based political commentator Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu has been killed at his residence in Kano State, leaving his followers and members of the wider community in shock.
Dan Shagamu, who operated under the name Dan-Shagamu International, was recognised for his outspoken videos and commentary on politics, religion and community matters.
Amnesty International Nigeria confirmed his death on Wednesday, saying his body was found in a pool of blood inside his residence.
The rights organisation described the killing as brutal and urged Nigerian authorities to promptly investigate the circumstances surrounding his death and prosecute those responsible.
“He was brutally slaughtered after being overpowered by his killers,” Amnesty International said.
Details surrounding the circumstances of the killing remained unclear as of Wednesday, with the police yet to issue an official account of the incident.
Unverified reports circulating online claimed that Dan Shagamu was killed in a gruesome manner, including allegations that his throat was slit. Those claims had not been independently verified at the time of filing.
Amnesty International also expressed concern about what it described as an increasing 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, calling on the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the killing.
The death of Dan Shagamu has generated widespread grief, with followers and residents expressing disbelief over the loss of the commentator, whose videos had established him as a familiar voice in Kano’s political and social discourse.
