By Abubakar Yunusa
The Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Services have been urged to investigate what has been described as a coordinated smear campaign against a former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdulaziz Yari.
The call was made by the Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development through its Executive Director, Dr Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi.
Acting through Dexter Law Firm, the group submitted a formal petition to security agencies, alleging that a series of online publications and social media posts were aimed at damaging the reputation of the senator.
In a statement signed on Friday by A.Y. Salihu, Esq., the solicitors said their client is a duly registered non-governmental organisation committed to promoting peace and protecting the integrity of individuals in society.
The petition specifically accused a blogger, Jackson Ude, as well as online platforms Point Blank News, Tracknews NG and Akelicious, of publishing what it termed false and malicious allegations against Yari.
According to the group, posts allegedly made by Ude on April 16 and April 22, 2026, contained claims linking the senator to bribery, political manipulation, terrorism financing and money laundering.
It said similar reports were also published by Tracknews NG and Akelicious, thereby amplifying the allegations across digital platforms.
The organisation described the claims as defamatory and injurious to the character of Yari, insisting that they were intended to tarnish his image and that of other prominent figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress.
It further alleged that the publications were targeted at key personalities within the Presidency, including associates of President Bola Tinubu.
The group also claimed that those behind the reports were working in the interest of opposition elements to discredit political allies of the President ahead of future elections.
Citing provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024, the petition urged security agencies to invite those involved and compel them to provide evidence to support their claims.
It stressed the need for a thorough investigation to prevent further reputational damage and to uphold the rule of law.
The group added that it was ready to cooperate fully with the police and the DSS in the course of the investigation.
