Foundation urges police to probe Kano activist’s murder

The Foundation for Digital Justice has called on the Kano State Police Command to investigate the murder of a political critic and social media commentator in the state, Ibrahim Shagamu.

Saturday PUNCH gathered that Shagamu was brutally murdered at his residence in Gaida Quarters, Kumbotso Local Government Area of the state at about 11:30 pm on September 8.

Before his death, Shagamu operated a social media platform known as “Dan Shagamu International,” where he discussed political, security and social issues in the country.

In a petition signed by FDJ Senior Counsel, Festus Ogun, dated September 11, 2026, the foundation noted that prior to his death, Shagamu had repeatedly expressed fears for his safety and raised concerns with the Kano State Government, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the police.

“The circumstances surrounding his death, therefore, raise questions that go beyond identifying those who physically carried out the attack,” the foundation said in the petition obtained by Saturday PUNCH on Friday.

According to the foundation, justice for Shagamu requires more than the prosecution of those who carried out the physical attack.

It added that it requires an investigation capable of answering why a vocal citizen who used his platform to participate in public discourse was targeted and killed.

“Social advocacy and public-interest commentary, online or offline, should not expose citizens to lethal danger,” the foundation stated. “Nigerians must be able to criticise government, discuss insecurity and demand accountability online without becoming targets of violence.”

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It added, “Social media has become an important space for Nigerians to participate in public affairs, criticise government, discuss insecurity, raise concerns about social conditions and demand accountability from public institutions.

“Those who use these platforms to contribute to public discourse must be able to do so without fear that their speech will make them targets of physical violence.”

FDJ called on the Kano State Police Command to identify, arrest and prosecute all persons responsible for the murder, including anyone who may have planned, facilitated, financed or otherwise participated in the crime.

The foundation also called for a probe into the previous threats and fears reportedly expressed by Shagamu, including any complaints or reports he may have made to the Kano State Government, the Emir of Kano or the Nigeria Police Force, to establish what actions were taken in response.

It further urged the police to provide the public with appropriate information on the progress of the investigation, consistent with the integrity of the process and applicable law.

When contact on Thursday, the Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Kigawa, said two suspects had been arrested and that investigation was ongoing on the case.

“Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and investigation is in progress. Update of the investigation will be made known to the public after completion of investigation,” he said.