The Nigerian traditional music scene is in mourning following the sudden and shocking death of John Zuya, the vibrant musician widely known by his stage name, John Mai Molo.
His untimely passing, which occurred just days after he returned from a string of cultural events in Lagos, is currently under investigation, with preliminary reports pointing toward a devastating event of poisoning.
The tragic incident unfolded in the Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The musician had just returned on October 16, 2025, and was reportedly enjoying a meal when he suddenly became critically unwell and collapsed. The suspected “poisoned” meal is the focus of the ongoing inquiry.
Mai Molo was immediately rushed to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi, but was unfortunately confirmed dead at approximately 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025. His death sent shockwaves through the community, with the news being confirmed by a close colleague, fellow musician Emma Wakili, via a heart-wrenching post on Facebook.
To ascertain the official cause of this tragedy, the musician’s body has been deposited in the hospital’s mortuary, where an autopsy is scheduled. Authorities are continuing their detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the alleged poisoning.
