... Seeks Probe of DanBello Over Alleged Defamation of Senator Yari
A civil society organisation, Patriots for the Advancement of Peace and Social Development, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), calling for the investigation and possible prosecution of social media influencer Bello Galadanchi, popularly known as DanBello, over allegations of cybercrime, cyberstalking and defamation involving Senator Abdul'aziz Abubakar Yari and Ajap Financial Services Limited.
In the petition dated June 26 and submitted to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the group alleged that DanBello, whom it claimed resides in the People's Republic of China, circulated videos across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp and X accusing Senator Yari of diverting ₦1.7 trillion from the Federation Account during his tenure as Governor of Zamfara State.
The petition, signed by the group's Executive Director, Alhaji Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, PhD, further alleged that DanBello claimed the funds were channelled through Ajap Financial Services Limited and Abdullahi Abdulkarim Tsafe, identified as the senator's former Chief of Staff.
Describing the allegations as false, misleading and defamatory, the group said the videos were intended to tarnish the reputations of Senator Yari, Ajap Financial Services Limited and Tsafe, particularly during the current political season. It added that the claims had resulted in reputational damage, social stigma, emotional distress and business losses.
According to the petition, Ajap Financial Services Limited is a duly registered private company providing financial solutions to both public and private sector clients.
The group urged the police to carry out a thorough investigation and, where necessary, prosecute the influencer under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as well as relevant provisions of Nigeria's Criminal and Penal Codes on defamation.
It also cited Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution, arguing that while freedom of expression is guaranteed, it must be exercised responsibly without infringing on the rights, dignity and reputation of others.
Shinkafi condemned what he described as acts of cyberbullying, cyberstalking and online harassment against the former Zamfara governor, warning that such actions undermine democratic values and public decency.
The petition was accompanied by flash drives containing the disputed videos and screenshots as supporting evidence. It also maintained that those behind the allegations failed to provide credible evidence to substantiate their claims.
The group further argued that a prompt investigation and prosecution would deter similar acts of cyberstalking and politically motivated online campaigns ahead of future elections.
Copies of the petition were forwarded to the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), the Interpol National Central Bureau and the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre.
Efforts to obtain DanBello's reaction were unsuccessful as of the time this report was filed.
Senator Yari served as Governor of Zamfara State from 2011 to 2019 and currently represents Zamfara West Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
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