Renowned traditional musician John Zuya, popularly known as John Mai Molo, has died under suspicious circumstances after allegedly consuming poisoned food in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
Zuya, who had just returned from Lagos on October 16, 2025, after performing at a series of cultural events, reportedly took ill shortly after eating a meal believed to have been contaminated. Witnesses said he collapsed and was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi, where doctors confirmed his death.
Confirming the incident in a Facebook post, his colleague and close associate Emma Wakili said the veteran performer passed away around 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
His remains have since been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for autopsy as authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of death.
The late John Mai Molo was widely celebrated across northern Nigeria for his contribution to traditional music and cultural preservation, often performing at major festivals and community events.
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