2027: Shinkafi petitions DSS, IGP over alleged defamation of ex-Zamfara Gov, Yari
Zamfara Former Governorship Aspirant Files Petition Against Allegations
A former governorship aspirant in Zamfara State, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has submitted a petition to the Department of State Services (DSS) concerning alleged attacks on Abdulaziz Yari, a former governorship candidate and prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The petition also targets media entities that disseminated claims made by Jackson Ude.
Shinkafi, who serves as the Executive Director of Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development, has instructed Dexter Law Firm to address his concerns to both the Inspector General of Police and the DSS. A representative of the law firm, A.Y. Salihu, confirmed that copies of the submitted letters were received by both agencies.
Entitled “Complaint of Criminal Defamation, Libel and Cybercrime,” the petition asserts that false statements made by Ude on April 16, 2026, have harmed Yari’s reputation. Ude allegedly claimed that the former governor was distributing large sums of money to politicians while maintaining records for potential blackmail and lobbying for the vice presidency in the event that President Bola Tinubu chooses to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The petition argues that such claims not only damage Yari’s hard-earned reputation but also implicate other high-profile members of the APC, including First Lady Senator Remi Tinubu and National Chairman Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda. It suggests that Ude’s actions are intended to undermine the ruling party as Nigeria approaches forthcoming elections.
The petition calls for a thorough investigation into Ude’s allegations, invoking the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act of 2024. Shinkafi requests that all individuals mentioned be summoned for questioning by security authorities.
“To protect the fundamental rights of our client and other affected parties, including Senator Abdulaziz Yari, we urge your office to conduct a rigorous investigation into these matters,” the petition reads.
Shinkafi expressed readiness on behalf of his organization to cooperate fully with security agencies to ensure a comprehensive examination of the claims made by Ude and other unnamed individuals.
