Fiery socio-political commentator, Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu, has been murdered in Kano State. The highly opinionated social media personality, known for sharing his views on social and political matters in the country, was found dead at his residence in Gaida, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State in the early hours of Wednesday.
His death followed weeks of threats, intimidation and persecution by his neighbours, whom he accused of conspiring against him. Before his death, Dan Shagamu had raised alarm over the alleged threats to his life and informed relevant authorities of the danger he was in. Still, it did not appear that he got the security and protection he needed.
In a recent video posted on his social media page, Dan Shagamu had appealed to the Kano State governor, the emir of Kano, and the police for protection, saying he was being constantly harassed and heckled by neighbours and their children.
“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 in the video.
According to him, on many occasions, children pelt him with stones, damaging his television. They also surrounded his house, hurling invectives and expletives at him. He added that he reported the matter to the Gaida village head, who escalated it to the Ja’en village head, but said the issue was beyond their power.
Dan Shagamu disclosed that his neighbours and many other people living in the area were not oblivious to the appalling and distasteful treatment he was subjected to. He claimed the neighbours conspired against him.
He also shared a video recording showing angry children standing menacingly outside his house, claiming they were threatening to kill him.
“They are after me, and they are our neighbours’ children. The neighbours are aware but have conspired. I am asking for help, please,” he added.
It is unclear at the moment what led to Dan Shagamu’s neighbours’ animosity and unpleasant behaviour towards him; it may, however, not be unconnected to his social media videos and commentary on political, religious and community issues.
Dan Shagamu, who owned the brand Dan Shagamu International and used a picture of Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, as his Facebook cover photo, has posted a lot of videos excoriating the Tinubu-led federal government over the state of the nation, while in one of the videos, he promoted Atiku Abubakar and called him the incoming President.
He also made religious commentaries. In one of the videos, he was heard attacking one of the Islamic clerics in Kano accused of blasphemy.
His elder sister, Aisha Muhammad Lawal, confirmed Dan Shagamu’s death, saying that her son received a call around 12:30 a.m. informing him of the incident.
She disclosed that some persons broke into his residence and murdered him in cold blood, adding that he was rushed to the hospital but was confirmed dead there.
According to her, two persons have been arrested in connection with the murder.
“Some yet‑to‑be‑identified men broke into his house and slaughtered him. I wasn’t around to know what happened, so I asked my son to go there. When he got there, he already met policemen at the scene. They rushed him to hospital, carried out some investigations, and later handed over the corpse to us around 2:30 a.m.,” she told Daily Trust.
She added, “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 stated that they were not suspecting anyone in particular, but insisted that justice must be done.
Dan Shagamu’s death has sparked concerns among Kano residents, with many calling for stronger measures to protect citizens from violent attacks.
