The Kano State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the killing of political commentator Ibrahim Khalil Danshagamu at his residence in Gaida Quarters, Kumbotso Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were arrested following an intelligence-led operation by the Kumbotso Divisional Police Officer, working with tactical units of the command and community stakeholders.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the incident occurred at about 11:30pm on Monday after the police received a distress call from the Gaida Vigilante Group Commander.
The caller reportedly informed the police that unknown hoodlums had forcibly entered Danshagamu’s residence and attacked him with sharp objects.
Police operatives from the Kumbotso Division responded to the scene and rushed the victim to Murtala Mohammed Specialists Hospital in Kano, where he was confirmed dead on arrival by a medical doctor.
The killing has drawn condemnation from opposition politicians and rights advocates, who have called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the commentator’s death.
Former Kano State governor and opposition politician, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, said Danshagamu’s body was found in a pool of blood at his home. He described the incident as a horrific attack and urged the Kano State Government to establish an investigative panel to determine what happened and bring those responsible to justice.
Amnesty International Nigeria also condemned the killing and called for a thorough investigation, stressing the need to protect outspoken individuals and critics in a democratic society.
The Kano State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Husaini Mai Riga, described the incident as deeply disturbing and unacceptable, saying it raised concerns about public safety and democratic values in the state.
The police said the two suspects are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation. Statements are also being obtained from relevant persons, while forensic procedures are being conducted to establish the circumstances and motive behind the attack.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, expressed concern over the incident and sympathised with the deceased’s family.
He assured residents that the command would pursue the investigation to a logical conclusion and ensure that those responsible face justice.
The police also commended the Gaida Vigilante Group for promptly alerting the authorities, saying the response demonstrated the importance of community cooperation in preventing crime.
Additional patrols and intelligence-gathering operations have since been deployed in Gaida and neighbouring areas to maintain law and order.
The command said investigation into the case is ongoing and the suspects would be charged to court after its conclusion.
