By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
A civil society organisation, Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development, has called for a comprehensive investigation into what it described as defamatory and misleading publications against Senator Abdulaziz Yari.
The group, through its Executive Director, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has petitioned the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), urging both agencies to hold accountable individuals and platforms allegedly responsible for circulating the claims.
In a petition dated April 24, 2026, and submitted by its legal representatives, Dexter Law Firm, the organisation requested that security authorities investigate the activities of Jackson Ude, alongside online platforms Tracknews NG and Akelicious, over alleged criminal defamation, libel, and cyber-related offences.
According to the group, it is a duly registered entity with the Corporate Affairs Commission and is committed to promoting peace, social development, and protecting the integrity of citizens. It added that consent was obtained from affected individuals before filing the complaint.
The petition referenced a series of online posts published in April 2026, which reportedly contained wide-ranging allegations against Senator Yari, who represents Zamfara West Senatorial District.
The group maintained that the claims, also amplified by certain online platforms, were unverified and damaging to the reputation of the senator and other prominent figures.
It further argued that the publications extended beyond personal attacks, alleging that they also sought to implicate key actors within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including senior government officials.
The organisation described the reports as a calculated attempt to misinform the public, inflame political tensions, and undermine confidence in public institutions ahead of future electoral processes.
Citing provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act 2024, the petition urged authorities to invite those named to substantiate their claims and disclose the sources of their information.
The group also called for swift action to protect the rights and reputations of affected individuals, while preventing the spread of further alleged falsehoods.
It affirmed its readiness to cooperate fully with security agencies to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter.
