The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has condemned the killing of Kano public affairs commentator Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu, calling for a thorough investigation that goes beyond identifying the immediate attackers to uncover the motive, sponsors, financiers, organisers and anyone who may have facilitated the crime.

Dan Shagamu was attacked by unknown assailants who reportedly forced their way into his residence at Gaida Quarters in Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State on Monday, September 8, 2026, and stabbed him to death.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Mrs Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Professor Tony Ojukwu, SAN, the NHRC described the killing as a grave violation of the victim’s constitutional right to life.

Ojukwu said the right to life is guaranteed under Section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, as well as Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The Commission expressed particular concern about the wider implications of the killing for freedom of expression and civic participation, noting that Dan Shagamu was known for expressing views on governance and public policy.

According to Ojukwu, Nigerians must be able to criticise public authorities, express opinions and participate in national discourse without being subjected to violence, intimidation or reprisals.

He acknowledged that the police had arrested two suspects and commenced investigation into the killing, but urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Kano State Police Command to treat the case as one of urgent national importance.

The NHRC demanded a prompt, thorough, impartial and transparent investigation capable of establishing not only the identities of those who physically carried out the attack but also the motive behind the killing and whether other persons sponsored, financed, organised, aided or facilitated it.

Ojukwu further called for the expeditious prosecution of every suspect against whom credible evidence is established, warning that the investigation must not be allowed to stall or disappear within the system.

The Commission also urged the Federal Government, Kano State Government and security agencies to urgently review and strengthen protection for journalists, bloggers, public commentators, human rights defenders and other citizens whose work or views may expose them to threats.

Ojukwu warned that as Nigeria moves closer to another critical political and electoral period, violence must not be allowed to become a response to criticism, dissent or public commentary.

He stressed that meaningful democratic participation can only flourish in an environment where citizens are free to speak, question public officials and disagree without fear for their lives.

The NHRC extended condolences to the family, friends and associates of the late Dan Shagamu and assured them that it would closely monitor the investigation and continue engaging relevant authorities to ensure that justice is pursued to its logical conclusion.

“In a democracy, dissent is not a crime. Criticism must be answered with dialogue and accountability, not violence,” Ojukwu said.

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