Renowned traditional musician, John Zuya, widely known as John Mai Molo, has died in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State after allegedly eating poisoned food.
Zuya, who had just returned from Lagos on October 16, 2025, where he performed at several cultural events, reportedly developed sudden health complications shortly after eating the suspected meal.
He collapsed and was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi, where doctors confirmed him dead.
A close associate and fellow musician, Emma Wakili, confirmed the development in a Facebook post on Saturday, describing the loss as “one of the most terrifying and painful moments” of his life.
Wakili wrote, “One of the most terrifying and painful moments of my life has been losing John Zuya, more than a friend, he was a brother. We shared dreams, made plans, and believed in a future full of promise. Now, he’s gone.”
He added that the circumstances surrounding Zuya’s death remained unclear.
“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,” he said.
Zuya’s body has been deposited at the mortuary of ATBUTH for an autopsy to determine the actual cause of death.
