The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has condemned the murder of Ibrahim Khalil Danshagamu, a public affairs commentator, at his residence in Gaida Quarters, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State.
Danshagamu was attacked by unknown assailants who forcibly entered his residence on Monday, 8 September 2026, and stabbed him to death.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Professor Tony Ojukwu, SAN, in a statement issued on his behalf on Friday by Mrs Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, demanded that all those responsible must be fished out and brought to justice.
Ojukwu described the killing as a grave violation of the fundamental right of the victim 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 over the implications of the killing for freedom of expression and civic participation, noting that 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.
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 NHRC boss 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.
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.
He extended the Commission’s condolences to the family, friends and associates of the late 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.
“In a democracy, dissent is not a crime. Criticism must be answered with dialogue and accountability, not violence,” he said.
Ojukwu added that the time for condemnation alone was over, insisting that the perpetrators must be found, the truth established and justice done.
