The Kano State Police Command has arrested two people over the alleged killing of a political commentator, Ibrahim Khalil Danshagamu, at his residence in Gaida Quarters, Kumbotso Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were apprehended following an intelligence-led operation by the Kumbotso Divisional Police Officer, working with tactical units, community stakeholders and local security personnel.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.
According to the statement, the incident occurred around 11:30pm on Monday after the police received a distress call from the commander of the Gaida Vigilante Group.
The caller reportedly informed the police that unidentified attackers had broken into Danshagamu’s home and assaulted him with sharp objects.
Police officers from the Kumbotso Division responded to the report and took the victim to Murtala Mohammed Specialists Hospital in Kano, where he was pronounced dead.
The police said the two arrested suspects remained in custody and were being questioned as investigators worked to identify other people who may have been involved.
“The suspects are currently in custody undergoing interrogation. The Command has intensified efforts to apprehend any other persons who may be connected to the crime,” the statement said.
The command said forensic investigations were also underway, while statements were being obtained from people considered relevant to the case.
The killing has sparked condemnation from political figures, rights groups and others who have called for a transparent investigation.
Former Kano State Governor and opposition politician, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, said Danshagamu was found dead in a pool of blood at his residence.
Kwankwaso described the incident as a “horrific attack” and called on the state government to establish an investigative panel to uncover the circumstances surrounding the killing and ensure that those responsible face justice.
Amnesty International Nigeria also condemned the incident, stressing that criticism and divergent political opinions should not expose people to violence.
“In a democracy, outspoken persons or critics are accommodated, listened to, not killed,” the organisation said.
The Kano State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Husaini Mai Riga, described the killing as “deeply disturbing and unacceptable”, saying it raised concerns about public safety, press freedom and democratic principles.
The Commissioner of Police expressed sympathy to the family of the deceased and assured residents that the command would pursue the investigation to its conclusion.
“The Kano State Police Command will not relent in its mandate to protect lives and property. We assure the good people of Kano that justice will be pursued to its logical conclusion,” Bakori said.
The police also praised the Gaida Vigilante Group for promptly alerting authorities, saying cooperation between communities and security agencies remained essential to preventing crime.
Kiyawa said the investigation was continuing and that the suspects would be prosecuted after the conclusion of the investigation.
“Investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon its conclusion,” he said.
The command has meanwhile increased patrols and intelligence operations around Gaida and surrounding communities to maintain security and prevent further disturbances.
