Social media commentator Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu has been killed at his residence in Gaida, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State.
The 54-year-old was found dead in the early hours of Wednesday after unidentified men allegedly broke into his home and attacked him. The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with the incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Kano, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said the suspects are in custody while investigators work to establish what led to the killing.
Kiyawa said preliminary findings do not link the incident to Dan Shagamu’s social media activities.
“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,” he said.
The police spokesperson added that the investigation would be completed before the suspects are arraigned in court.
According to the family, Dan Shagamu’s death was reported to them around 12:30 a.m. after a relative received a call about the incident. His elder sister, Aisha Muhammad Lawal, said family members later arrived at the scene to find police officers already present.
She said the victim was taken to hospital, where investigations were conducted before his body was released to the family around 2:30 a.m.
“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,” she said.
The family said it was not accusing any particular person but called for a thorough investigation and justice for the deceased.
Dan Shagamu, who operated under the name Dan Shagamu International, was known for videos and commentary on political, religious and community issues.
Before his death, he had also posted videos alleging that he was receiving death threats from neighbours. In one of the videos, he appealed to the Kano State Government, the emir and the police for protection.
“I need the support of the Kano governor, emir of Kano and the police. I have been receiving death threats from my neighbours,” he said.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, through his Chief Press Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, condemned the killing and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
“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,” Muhammad said.
Former Kano State governor and Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, also called for an investigation into the killing.
Kwankwaso urged the state government to constitute an investigative panel and said the case would be reopened by an NDC administration if authorities failed to take decisive action.
Amnesty International has similarly condemned the killing and called for an investigation, describing the incident as a serious violation that requires accountability.
The rights organisation also raised concerns over threats and intimidation ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly against outspoken individuals and critics.
The investigation into Dan Shagamu’s death remains ongoing.
Ademide Adebayo
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