By Abdul-hafeez Fadehan
The Foundation for Digital Justice has called on the Kano State Police Command to conduct a “thorough, transparent and credible investigation” into the murder of political critic and former radio reporter, Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu.
The foundation made the demand in a petition dated September 11, 2026, urging the police to investigate whether Dan Shagamu’s work as a political critic and social media commentator was connected to his killing.
Dan Shagamu, who operated the social media platform “Dan Shagamu International,” where he discussed political, security and social issues in Nigeria, was murdered at his residence in Gaida Quarters, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, at about 11:30pm on Monday, September 8, 2026.
In the petition signed by its Senior Counsel, Festus Ogun, FDJ said it was concerned by reports that Dan Shagamu had repeatedly expressed fears for his safety before his death.
The foundation said the deceased had reportedly raised concerns with the Kano State Government, the Emir of Kano and the Nigeria Police Force, raising questions about whether his previous complaints received an appropriate response.
FDJ said the circumstances of the killing “raise questions that go beyond identifying those who physically carried out the attack.”
The organisation argued that justice required authorities to establish not only who killed Dan Shagamu but also why he was targeted and whether others were involved in planning or facilitating the crime.
“Justice for Mr. Dan Shagamu requires more than the prosecution of those who carried out the physical attack,” the foundation said.
It added that the investigation should answer “the fundamental question of why a vocal citizen who used his platform to participate in public discourse was targeted and killed.”
The foundation said social advocacy and public-interest commentary, whether online or offline, should not expose citizens to lethal danger.
It noted that social media had become an important avenue for Nigerians to “criticise government, discuss insecurity, raise concerns about social conditions and demand accountability from public institutions.”
FDJ warned that if the murder was not properly investigated and pursued to a logical conclusion, it could have serious implications for freedom of expression and the safety of other people who speak on matters of public concern online.
The foundation urged the police to identify, arrest and prosecute all persons responsible, including anyone who may have planned, facilitated or financed the killing.
It also called for an investigation into the threats and fears previously expressed by Dan Shagamu and urged the police to provide appropriate updates on the progress of the investigation.
FDJ said it was prepared to monitor the investigation and court proceedings and offer assistance within its mandate in pursuit of justice.
“We will not back down until we get justice,” it said.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from Third Lens.
Contact: theeditor@thirdlensng.com
