NHRC Demands Justice For Slain Kano Commentator
By Mohammed Ibrahim
Chief Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has condemned in the strongest terms the fatal stabbing of Mr. Ibrahim Khalil Danshagamu, a public commentator, at his residence in Gaida Quarters, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State.
Chief Ojukwu said the Commission received with shock the report by the Kano State Police Command that Mr. Danshagamu was attacked by unknown assailants who forcibly entered his residence on Monday, 8 September 2026.
Fatima Agwai Mohammed, Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the commission issue this in a statement on Friday.
The Executive Secretary noted that the victim was subsequently rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialists Hospital, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.
He described the killing as a grave violation of the fundamental right to life, guaranteed under Section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, and Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
He expressed particular concern about the implications of the killing for freedom of expression and civic participation, noting that Mr. Danshagamu was known for expressing views on governance and public policy.
According to him, citizens must be able to express their opinions, criticise public authorities and participate in public discourse without fear of violence, intimidation or reprisal.
Chief Ojukwu acknowledged that the Police had arrested two suspects and commenced investigation, but urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Kano State Police Command to treat the matter as one of urgent national importance.
He called for a prompt, thorough, impartial and transparent investigation, stressing that the authorities must establish not only those who carried out the attack but also the motive, sponsors, financiers, organisers and anyone who aided or facilitated the killing.
The learned Silk further demanded that all suspects against whom credible evidence is established be expeditiously prosecuted, warning that the investigation must not be allowed to stall or disappear into the system.
Chief Ojukwu called on the Federal Government, Kano State Government and all security agencies to immediately review and strengthen protective measures for journalists, bloggers, public commentators, human rights defenders and other citizens whose work or opinions may expose them to threats.
He warned that, as Nigeria approaches a critical political and electoral period, violence must never become a response to criticism, dissent or public commentary, stressing that democratic participation can only thrive where citizens are safe to speak, question and disagree.
The Chief Human Rights Officer of the country extended the Commission’s condolences to the family, friends and associates of the late Mr. Danshagamu and assured them that the NHRC would closely monitor the investigation and engage relevant authorities to ensure that justice is pursued to its logical conclusion.
The NHRC Boss stressed that “in a democracy, dissent is not a crime. Criticism must be answered with dialogue and accountability, not violence.”
He added that the time for condemnation alone was over, insisting that the perpetrators must be found, the truth established and justice done.
