By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the reported killing of Kano-based social media political commentator, Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu, warning that growing threats and violence against outspoken Nigerians could pose a serious danger to the 2027 electoral process.

The association, In a statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA, dated September 10, 2026, said the reported killing was particularly disturbing as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

HURIWA said concerns were increasing over the safety of citizens who express independent political opinions, particularly human rights defenders, journalists, civil society activists and social media commentators.

According to the association, 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.

HURIWA, however, said the circumstances and motive for the killing remained unclear, stressing the need for the authorities to establish what happened through a credible investigation.

“The circumstances and motive for the killing remain unclear, and HURIWA says the authorities must not allow speculation to substitute for a credible investigation,” the statement said.

The association said human rights defenders and civil society activists had continued to face threats, intimidation and attempts to silence them when they challenged powerful political interests or spoke against perceived abuses.

It added that some of Its own members and associates had faced what it described as grave threats to their lives and attempts to undermine their advocacy activities.

HURIWA also commended media organisations that, despite pressure from political establishments, continued to provide platforms for divergent views, describing such independence as important to the democratic principle of free expression.

The association warned that if Dan Shagamu’s killing were eventually established to have been politically motivated, it would represent a dangerous escalation in what it described as intimidation against independent voices.

“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 said.

It further warned that several states were increasingly becoming dangerous flashpoints for civil rights activists, journalists, commentators and other citizens whose views might be unpopular with political authorities or powerful interests.

HURIWA therefore called on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tunde Disu, to ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Dan Shagamu’s death.

The association demanded that anyone found responsible be arrested and prosecuted and, upon conviction, punished according to law.

It also urged the Federal and state governments to take credible measures to protect human rights defenders, journalists, social media commentators and other independent voices from attacks allegedly linked to political interests.

HURIWA called on the European Union, United Nations and other international partners to closely monitor Nigeria’s human rights situation as the country approaches the 2027 elections.

The association urged the international partners to engage 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 statement added.

The group demanded urgent action by security agencies to identify the perpetrators, establish the motive behind Dan Shagamu’s killing and ensure that justice is served.

“Democracy cannot survive where citizens are forced to choose between silence and personal safety,” HURIWA said.