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.
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.
His death was confirmed on Wednesday by Amnesty International Nigeria, which said his body was discovered in a pool of blood inside his home.
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.
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. The allegations had not been independently verified as of the time of filing.
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.
News of Dan Shagamu’s murder has sparked an outpouring of grief across social media, with followers 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