Residents of Gaida in Kano State have been thrown into mourning following the gruesome death of popular social commentator and critic, Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu.
Dan Shagamu was found dead inside a residence with severe injuries and a large pool of blood around his body.
His death has raised concerns among residents, particularly because he had previously spoken publicly about alleged threats to his life.
In several videos shared online before his death, the late commentator claimed that some people in his neighbourhood were targeting him.
He had accused some children in the area of threatening him after he refused to give them sweets or money. He also alleged that the boys later threatened him and attacked his property.
According to his previous accounts, stones were thrown at his house and his television was damaged. He had also appealed to the police and traditional authorities to intervene over the alleged threats.
The concerns apparently became serious enough for Dan Shagamu to stop sleeping regularly at his home.
His sister, Halima, said he had moved between different locations and stayed with friends whenever he felt unsafe.
She also recalled an incident in which some people allegedly approached him under the guise of offering a palliative linked to President Bola Tinubu.
According to her, Dan Shagamu became suspicious when he was directed to another location to collect the item and decided not to go.
The situation took a tragic turn when his friend reportedly returned to the house where they had been staying and found it locked.
After checking another location where they usually ate, the friend returned the following day but still could not gain access to the house.
The matter was subsequently reported to the police.
Family members who arrived with the police later gained entry into the building and discovered Dan Shagamu’s body.
His nephew, Muhammad Hizbullah Kabiru, said the injuries were severe, with the victim’s head almost completely severed from his body.
He was also said to have been wrapped tightly in a blanket, which had become soaked with blood.
The gruesome discovery has intensified calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Dan Shagamu was outspoken critic
The deceased was known for his outspoken commentary on political and social issues in Kano.
His confrontational style had previously brought him into conflict with political figures and groups.
In 2022, he was arrested and arraigned in Kano over alleged defamation involving former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd.).
The case followed a video in which Dan Shagamu made allegations concerning properties linked to Buratai.
He was subsequently remanded by the court, while a psychiatric assessment was ordered to determine his mental fitness at the time he made the publication.
Dan Shagamu was also a vocal critic of the APC-led administration and had publicly discussed disagreements with some members of the Izala group.
Police arrest two suspects
The Kano State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with the killing.
Police spokesman CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa said the suspects were being interrogated as investigators worked to establish what led to the attack.
He added that the command was searching for other people who might have been involved.
Forensic procedures are also being carried out as part of efforts to determine the circumstances and motive behind the killing.
The police said the suspects would be prosecuted after the investigation is concluded.
Kano government urges calm
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has also reacted to the incident, calling on residents to remain calm.
The governor, through his aide, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, directed security agencies to intensify efforts to identify and arrest those responsible.
He further appealed to residents not to resort to retaliation or take the law into their own hands.
The governor assured residents that his administration would continue working with security agencies to safeguard lives and property across the state.