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2027: Shinkafi petitions DSS, IGP over alleged defamation of ex-Zamfara Gov, Yari

A former governorship aspirant in Zamfara State, Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has petitioned the Department of State Services, DSS, over what he described as attacks on former Governorship Candidate in Zamfara State and All Progressives Congress, APC, Chieftain, Abdulaziz Yari by one Jackson Ude and some media houses.

Shinkafi, who is the Executive Director of Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development, directed Dexter Law Firm to petition the Inspector General of Police and Director General and the, DSS.

The acknowledged copies of the letters from the DSS and the office of the IGP were sighted by the DAILY POST on Friday.

The petition titled ‘Complaint of Criminal Defamation, Libel and Cybercrime’, said that false statements are injurious to the integrity and character of Yari and others affected.

DAILY POST learned that on the 16th day of April, 2026 Ude was said to have made false statements and allegations against Yari, claiming “that the former governor is sharing billions to politicians, keeping the records for blackmail purposes and lobbying to become Vice President should President Bola Tinubu decide to drop Vice President Kashim Shetima.”

The petition said the above false statements are injurious to the character of Senator Yari and are aimed at defaming his hard earned reputation.

“It is unfathomable to people of good conscience that a person who has participated in building goodwill and good character will now be part of its destruction,” the petition file by A.Y Salihu ESQ, for Dexter Law Firm, said.

“The above statements were targeted at the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, the Presidency and close associates and members of the ruling party like “The First Lady – Senator Remi Tinubu, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress- Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, Senator Abdulaziz Yari and Gilbert Chargoury etc.

“Jackson Ude is acting and working on behalf of the opposition parties in Nigeria to destroy the image of the strong associates of the Presidency as mentioned above and to defame them as general elections are fast approaching.

“In line with the provisions of the law, Jackson Ude and others should be put to the strictest investigations and form of proof in line with the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024. They should also face the full consequences of the law.”

The petitioner asked that the DSS and security authorities invite all those mentioned in the petition for questioning.

“In order to safeguard the fundamental rights of our client, its affected members and Senator Abdulaziz Yari and prevent further criminal defamation of character, we urge your good office to investigate this matter thoroughly.

“The Executive Directors of our client are available and willing to give maximum cooperation to security agencies for a thorough investigation of the purported allegations as contained in the statements of these amorphous persons who are ill motivated to blackmail esteemed individuals and heat up the polity for the government.”