Renowned traditional musician John Zuya, popularly known as John Mai Molo, has passed away in the Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State. His death has sent shockwaves through the Northern Nigerian entertainment community, with many suspecting foul play, as he allegedly died after consuming food believed to be poisoned.

Reports indicate that the singer, who had recently returned from Lagos on October 16 after performing at several cultural events, fell ill shortly after a meal. He reportedly collapsed moments later and was rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi, where medical personnel confirmed his death.

The incident was confirmed by Emma Wakili, a fellow musician and close associate, who announced John Zuya's passing in a Facebook post on Saturday morning. Wakili stated, "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."

In a subsequent post, Mr. Wakili expressed profound grief, emphasizing the depth of their relationship: "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 also highlighted the mystery surrounding the death, stating, "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."

Mr. Wakili further confirmed that John Zuya's body has been deposited in the hospital mortuary for an autopsy, a crucial step in determining the exact cause of death as investigations are ongoing. John Zuya was widely celebrated across northern Nigeria for his significant contributions to traditional music and cultural preservation. He was particularly popular for his songs 'Abar Matasa' and 'Chaskale', both of which featured Emma Wakili. His sudden demise has left fans, colleagues, and the entire Northern Nigerian entertainment community in profound shock and sorrow.