A former governorship aspirant in Zamfara State, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Inspector-General of Police over alleged defamatory statements targeting former Zamfara State governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Abdulaziz Yari.
Shinkafi, who serves as Executive Director of Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development, instructed Dexter Law Firm to file a formal complaint with both the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force. Acknowledged copies of the petitions were reportedly sighted on Friday.
The petition, titled “Complaint of Criminal Defamation, Libel and Cybercrime,” alleges that one Jackson Ude, alongside certain media platforms, published false and damaging claims against Yari and other political figures.
According to the filing, Ude allegedly stated on April 16, 2026, that Yari was “sharing billions to politicians, keeping records for blackmail purposes, and lobbying to become Vice President should President Bola Ahmed Tinubu drop Vice President Kashim Shettima.”
Shinkafi’s petition described the claims as “false, malicious, and injurious” to Yari’s reputation, asserting that they were designed to tarnish his image and undermine his standing within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“It is unfathomable to people of good conscience that a person who has built goodwill and character would now be subjected to such destructive falsehood,” the petition, signed by A.Y. Salihu, Esq., on behalf of Dexter Law Firm, stated.
The document further alleged that the statements were not only directed at Yari but also at key figures within the APC and the Presidency, including the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, and businessman Gilbert Chagoury.
Shinkafi claimed that Ude’s actions were politically motivated and aimed at discrediting close allies of the Presidency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Citing provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024, the petitioner called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those found culpable face the full weight of the law.
He also urged the DSS and the police to invite all individuals mentioned in the petition for questioning, emphasizing the need to safeguard the reputations and fundamental rights of those affected.
“The Executive Directors of our organisation are willing to cooperate fully with security agencies to ensure a comprehensive investigation into these allegations and prevent attempts to heat up the polity,” the petition added.
TheInsightLensProject.com
