By George Ozalla
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has demanded a full investigation and justice over the killing of Kano public commentator, Ibrahim Khalil Danshagamu, who was fatally stabbed by unknown assailants at his residence in Gaida Quarters, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, described the killing as a serious violation of the right to life and warned that violence must not be allowed to become a means of silencing citizens who express their views on governance and public affairs.
According to the NHRC, Danshagamu was attacked on Monday, September 8, 2026, after unknown assailants forcibly entered his residence. He was subsequently rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialists Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed him dead on arrival.
Ojukwu said the Commission received the report of the killing with shock, particularly because Danshagamu was known as a public commentator who expressed views on governance and public policy.
He said the circumstances surrounding the killing raised serious concerns not only about the protection of life but also about the safety of citizens who participate actively in public discourse.
The NHRC boss stressed that citizens should be able to express their opinions, question government policies and criticise public authorities without being subjected to violence, intimidation or reprisal.
He said the 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 must be protected by the authorities.
Ojukwu noted that the Police had already arrested two suspects in connection with the killing and commenced investigation, but urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Kano State Police Command to accord the case the urgency it deserved.
He said the investigation should go beyond identifying those who physically carried out the attack, insisting that the authorities must establish the motive for the killing and determine whether other individuals were involved in planning, financing, organising or facilitating the crime.
The NHRC Executive Secretary demanded a prompt, thorough, impartial and transparent investigation, stressing that Nigerians must be able to see that serious allegations involving the unlawful killing of a citizen are properly investigated and taken through the justice system.
He also called for the expeditious prosecution of all suspects against whom credible evidence is established, warning that the investigation should not be allowed to stall or disappear into the system.
Ojukwu’s demand comes against the backdrop of growing concerns over the safety of journalists, public commentators, human rights defenders and other citizens whose professional activities or public opinions may expose them to threats.
He therefore called on the Federal Government, Kano State Government and all relevant security agencies to review existing protective measures and strengthen them where necessary to protect people who may be vulnerable because of their work or public activities.
The NHRC Executive Secretary also linked the need for greater protection to the country’s approaching political and electoral period, warning that disagreements over public policies, political positions and governance must not degenerate into violence.
He said democracy depends on the ability of citizens to speak openly, question those in authority and hold different opinions without fear of physical attacks or other forms of reprisal.
The Commission’s position was conveyed in a statement issued by its Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed.
Ojukwu, who is the country’s Chief Human Rights Officer, extended the Commission’s condolences to the family, friends and associates of the late Danshagamu, assuring them that the NHRC would continue to monitor developments in the case.
He said the Commission would engage the relevant authorities as the investigation progresses and pursue the matter to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the commentator’s death are properly established and that those found responsible face justice.
Ojukwu said, “in a democracy, dissent is not a crime. Criticism must be answered with dialogue and accountability, not violence.”
He stressed that condemnation of the killing alone would not be enough, insisting that the authorities must identify the perpetrators, establish the truth surrounding the attack and ensure that justice is done.
The NHRC Executive Secretary said the killing should serve as a reminder to the authorities of their responsibility to protect the lives of citizens and safeguard the space for lawful public expression, particularly as Nigeria moves towards another politically sensitive period.
