A Kano-based journalist and social media political commentator, Mr Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu, was on September 7, 2026, at about 11:30 p.m., brutally murdered and his body mutilated by yet-to-be-identified assailants at his home in Gaida, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State.
Dan Shagamu’s body was found in a pool of his own blood on September 8, after relatives scaled the fence to gain entrance to his house.
Unverified media reports claimed that he was brutally slaughtered after being overpowered by his killers, who also reportedly slit his throat.
His family revealed that he had repeatedly expressed fears for his life before he was killed. His sister, Halima, said that he had stopped sleeping at his residence because he believed his life was under threat. She disclosed further that he had alleged that some people were after his life and, as a result, he stopped sleeping at home but stayed with a friend and avoided anywhere he sensed a threat. She said some people had also tried without success to lure her brother.
He reportedly used his social media platforms to criticise the Federal and Kano State Governments, advocated for greater political solidarity in Northern Nigeria, and campaigned openly for former Vice-President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
Meanwhile, the Kano State Police Command, in a statement issued on September 10, confirmed the killing of the political commentator and disclosed that it had arrested two suspects in connection with the killing. It stated that the suspects were in custody as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify other persons involved in the attack.
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, and had a large following on Facebook and TikTok. He was a former staff member of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). He became a prominent voice on social media, where he regularly commented on politics, security, and economic issues after leaving government service.
