Former Anambra State governor and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has condemned the killing of Kano-based social media commentator Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Obi made the call in a statement posted on his X account on Friday, expressing concern over the killing and urging the Kano State Government and relevant security agencies to ensure that everyone responsible is identified and brought to justice.
Dan Shagamu was reportedly killed at his residence in Gaida Quarters, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, on Monday night.
The incident has generated concern among residents and followers of the deceased, particularly because of the reported circumstances of the attack and his public activities as a social media commentator.
According to the Kano State Police Command, the attack occurred at about 11:30 p.m. after the Vigilante Group Commander in Gaida alerted the authorities that unknown hoodlums had allegedly forced their way into Dan Shagamu’s residence and attacked him with sharp objects.
Following the report, police operatives from the Kumbotso Division responded to the scene and took the victim to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital in Kano.
He was subsequently pronounced dead by a medical doctor.
The police said two suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident and were being interrogated as investigators worked to establish the circumstances, motive and identities of others who may have been involved.
The command also said forensic procedures were ongoing as part of efforts to gather evidence and determine what led to the killing.
Reacting to the development, Obi strongly condemned the killing and rejected any attempt to justify violence on the basis of disagreement, criticism or differences of opinion.
“I am deeply saddened by the killing of social media commentator, Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu, in his home in Kano,” Obi said.
He added that no disagreement or dispute should result in the loss of a human life.
“No disagreement, criticism, or neighbourhood dispute can ever justify the taking of a human life,” he said.
Obi further stressed the need to protect citizens who express opinions publicly, particularly in an environment where social media has become an important platform for political, social and civic discourse.
“Those who speak up, express their opinions, or hold different views must not be made to live in fear,” he said.
The former governor urged the Kano State Government and security agencies to ensure that the investigation was conducted thoroughly and independently.
He specifically called for a “thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation” into the circumstances surrounding Dan Shagamu’s death.
According to Obi, the investigation should establish the motive for the attack, identify all those involved and ensure that the suspects face the law if found culpable.
His intervention also highlighted the broader issue of freedom of expression and the responsibility of government to protect citizens regardless of their political opinions, affiliations or public commentary.
Obi noted that freedom of expression is guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and argued that citizens should be able to express their views without fear of violence or retaliation.
The call comes at a time when social media has become increasingly influential in Nigeria’s political and public affairs.
Commentators, activists and ordinary citizens frequently use platforms such as Facebook, X, TikTok and other digital channels to discuss political developments, government policies and social issues.
While such platforms have expanded opportunities for public participation, they have also generated disagreements and controversies, sometimes exposing outspoken commentators to threats and intimidation.
Against this background, Obi’s call for an investigation into Dan Shagamu’s death has placed renewed attention on the need for security agencies to protect freedom of expression while ensuring that criminal acts are properly investigated.
The police had earlier assured residents that the investigation would be pursued to its logical conclusion.
The command said the suspects currently in custody would be charged to court after investigators complete the necessary procedures.
The police investigation is expected to establish whether the arrested suspects were directly responsible for the attack and whether other individuals were involved.
Authorities will also be expected to determine the motive behind the alleged intrusion into Dan Shagamu’s residence and the subsequent assault that resulted in his death.
For the family of the deceased, however, the immediate concern remains securing justice and obtaining answers about the circumstances that led to his death.
Obi extended his condolences to Dan Shagamu’s family, friends, colleagues and followers, while praying for the repose of his soul.
The former Anambra governor’s statement has also drawn attention to the importance of ensuring that political and social disagreements do not escalate into violence.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general election, political debates and public commentary are expected to intensify across the country. Political candidates, supporters, commentators and members of the public are likely to engage in increasingly vigorous discussions about governance, security, the economy and the direction of the country.
The killing in Kano therefore raises wider questions about the safety of citizens who participate in public discourse and the ability of security agencies to respond effectively when threats or violent incidents occur.
For Obi, the central principle is that disagreement must remain within the boundaries of lawful and peaceful expression.
The circumstances surrounding Dan Shagamu’s death remain subject to police investigation, and the allegations against the arrested suspects have not been established in court.
The outcome of the investigation will be crucial in determining what happened at the deceased’s residence and whether the suspects in custody, or any other individuals, should face prosecution.
Obi’s appeal for a transparent investigation is therefore likely to increase pressure on the relevant authorities to provide clear answers and ensure that the case is not allowed to fade without accountability.
As investigations continue, attention will remain focused on the Kano State Police Command and other relevant agencies to determine the motive behind the killing, establish the full circumstances of the attack and, ultimately, ensure that justice is served.
