The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) condemns the reported killing of popular Kano-based social media political commentator, Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu, and warns that the growing atmosphere of intimidation and violence against outspoken Nigerians poses a grave threat to the 2027 democratic process.
HURIWA says the reported killing is particularly disturbing because it comes at a time when political activities are gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections and concerns are mounting over the safety of citizens who express independent political opinions.
Amnesty International Nigeria has confirmed that Dan Shagamu was killed and that his body was found in a pool of blood at his home in Kano. The circumstances and motive for the killing remain unclear, and HURIWA says the authorities must not allow speculation to substitute for a credible investigation.
HURIWA says human rights defenders and civil society activists have persistently faced threats, intimidation and attempts to silence them whenever they speak truth to power or challenge powerful political interests.
The association says some of its members and associates have also faced grave threats to their lives and deliberate attempts to undermine their legitimate activities because of their advocacy.
HURIWA notes that some media organisations have continued to uphold their independence by providing platforms for divergent views despite pressures from political establishments. The association commends such media organisations for defending the democratic principle of free expression.
However, HURIWA says the alleged killing of a social media commentator over his opinions, if established to have been politically motivated, would represent a dangerous escalation in the campaign of intimidation against independent voices.
HURIWA warns that several states are increasingly becoming dangerous flashpoints for civil rights activists, journalists, commentators and other citizens who express views that are unpopular with political authorities or powerful interests.
The association says the rising temperature of political activities ahead of 2027 requires stronger protection for freedom of expression, rather than the deployment of intimidation, threats or violence against citizens.
HURIWA therefore calls on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure that the circumstances surrounding Dan Shagamu’s death are thoroughly investigated and that anyone found to be responsible is arrested, prosecuted and, upon conviction, punished according to law.
The association also urges the Federal Government and state governments to take credible measures to protect human rights defenders, journalists, social media commentators and other independent voices from politically motivated attacks.
HURIWA calls on the European Union, the United Nations and other international partners to closely monitor the human rights situation in Nigeria as the country approaches the 2027 elections and to engage the Nigerian authorities on the protection of civic space and political freedoms.
HURIWA says the emergence of politically motivated killings would be one of the most ominous signs of danger ahead of the 2027 elections if such attacks are allowed to continue unchecked.
The association warns that democracy cannot survive where citizens are forced to choose between silence and personal safety.
HURIWA therefore demands urgent action from the security agencies to identify the perpetrators of Dan Shagamu’s killing, establish the motive behind the attack and ensure that justice is served.
Signed:
Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko
National Coordinator
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)
