The police in Bauchi State have begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of renowned traditional musician, John Zuya, popularly known as John Mai Molo, who reportedly died after eating food suspected to have been poisoned.

Zuya, celebrated for his contribution to northern Nigeria’s traditional music, died in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of the state days after returning from Lagos, where he had performed at a series of cultural events.

According to reports, the musician suddenly fell ill shortly after consuming a meal believed to have been poisoned. He was later 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, announced Zuya’s passing in a Facebook post on Saturday morning. He said that the deceased’s body had been taken to the mortuary pending further investigation.

“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,” Wakili wrote on the paltform.

In a second post, Wakili expressed deep grief over the loss, describing Zuya as a “brother” and collaborator.

“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 said.

Wakili added that Zuya’s death left behind a cloud of unanswered questions, adding that “the truth must come to light, and justice must be served” on thoise responsible for his death.