Monday September 14 2026
Lagos, Nigeria
The Foundation for Digital Justice (FDJ) calls on the Kano State Police Command to conduct a thorough, transparent and credible investigation into the murder of Mr. Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu, including whether his work as a political critic and social media commentator was connected to his killing.
This is contained in a petition dated September 11, 2026, forwarded to the Kano State Police Command.
Mr. Dan Shagamu was a political critic, social media commentator and former radio reporter. He operated the social media platform known as “Dan Shagamu International,” where he discussed political, security and social issues in Nigeria.
He was brutally murdered at his residence in Gaida Quarters, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, at about 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
FDJ is particularly concerned by reports that, prior to his death, Mr. Dan Shagamu had repeatedly expressed fears for his safety and had reportedly raised concerns with the Kano State Government, the Emir of Kano and the Nigeria Police Force. The circumstances surrounding his death, therefore, raise questions that go beyond identifying those who physically carried out the attack.
FDJ believes that justice for Mr. Dan Shagamu requires more than the prosecution of those who carried out the physical attack. It requires an investigation capable of answering the fundamental question of 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. Nigerians must be able to criticise government, discuss insecurity and demand accountability online without becoming targets of violence.
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.
If not properly investigated and pursued to a logical conclusion, Mr. Dan Shagamu’s murder could have serious implications for freedom of expression and the safety of others who speak on matters of public concern in the digital space.
Accordingly, FDJ calls on the Kano State Police Command to:
- Conduct a thorough, transparent and credible investigation into the circumstances surrounding the murder of Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu;
- Identify, arrest and prosecute all persons responsible for the murder, including anyone who may have planned, facilitated, financed or otherwise participated in the crime;
- Investigate the previous threats and fears reportedly expressed by Mr. Dan Shagamu, including any complaints or reports he may have made to the Kano State Government, the Emir of Kano or the Nigeria Police Force, and establish what actions were taken in response;
- Ensure that the investigation is not compromised and that every person, regardless of status or connection, who may have information about the killing is properly investigated;
- Provide the public with appropriate information on the progress of the investigation, consistent with the integrity of the criminal investigation and applicable law.
FDJ is prepared to monitor the investigation and court process and offer other assistance within its mandate that may support a swift and effective pursuit of justice.
We will not back down until we get justice.
Signed:
Festus Ogun
Senior Counsel
Foundation for Digital Justice
