John Zuya, the traditional musician popularly known as John Mai Molo, has passed away after reportedly eating poisoned food.
The Hausa singer died in the Tafawa Balewa LGA of Bauchi state under distressing circumstances, with reports suggesting the meal he consumed was poisoned.
Zuya was said to have returned from a trip to Lagos on October 16, where he had performed at several cultural events. Shortly after eating upon his return, he fell violently ill, collapsed, and was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH).
He was confirmed dead upon arrival at the medical facility.
Mourning his colleague, Emma Wakili took to Facebook to reveal that he died on Saturday around 7:00 a.m.
He also disclosed that there’s an ongoing investigation into the exact cause of his death.
“It is confirmed that John Zuya passed on this morning at 7:00 a.m. His body has been placed in the mortuary as we move forward with the investigation,” he wrote.
In another post, Wakili expressed grief, describing John as more than a friend. He alluded to the mysterious nature of the death.
“One of the most terrifying and painful moments of my life has been losing John Zuya. More than a friend, he was a brother,” he wrote.
“We shared dreams, made plans, and believed in a future full of promise. Now, he’s gone.
“His passing has left behind a cloud of unanswered questions, a situation shrouded in uncertainty. But God is not a man. The truth must come to light, and justice must be served. The investigation continues.”
Wakili also revealed that the late singer’s body has been deposited in the hospital mortuary for an autopsy.
John Mai Molo was widely celebrated across northern Nigeria for his significant contributions to traditional music and cultural preservation.
He was particularly famous for hit songs like ‘Abar Matasa’ and ‘Chaskale’, which featured Emma Wakili.
