Mysterious Fire Guts TikTok Star Rahama Sa’idu’s Shop Hours After KNUPDA Demolition in Kano

A mysterious fire has razed the shop of popular TikTok star, Rahama Sa’idu, just hours after officials of the Kano State Urban Planning and Development Authority (KNUPDA) demolished the front shed of her building during a statewide enforcement operation along UDB Road in Kano.

The fire, which occurred late Thursday night, has ignited a storm of controversy and speculation on social media, with many users sharply divided over the cause and timing of the incident.

Earlier on Wednesday, Rahama took to social media to criticize the Kano State government following KNUPDA's removal of her business signpost. In the viral video, she accused the agency of unfair targeting, a move that reportedly drew the ire of supporters of the state’s ruling political faction.

In the aftermath of the fire, many social media users—particularly on Instagram—have accused loyalists of the Kwankwasiyya political movement of orchestrating the attack as retaliation for Rahama’s perceived disrespect towards Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

While there has been no official confirmation linking the fire to any political group, the coincidence of the events and the political undertones surrounding Rahama's viral video have fueled public suspicion. The Kano State Fire Service has yet to release a detailed statement on the possible cause of the blaze.

As investigations continue, civic space advocates are raising concerns about a possible pattern of intimidation against citizens who speak out against public officials.

Neither the Kano State Government nor KNUPDA has responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.