A former Zamfara State governorship candidate, Sani Shinkafi, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, seeking an investigation into allegations of cybercrime, harassment, and defamation against China-based social media influencer Bello Galadanchi, popularly known as Danbello.
The petition, which was also copied to the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), the Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB), and the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), was reportedly filed on behalf of former Zamfara governor Abdulaziz Yari, Abdulkarim Tsafe, and another party.
According to the petition, Danbello allegedly circulated what Shinkafi described as politically motivated video clips on social media, accusing Senator Yari of diverting N1.7 trillion from the Federation Account through Ajap Financial Services and Tsafe.
Shinkafi argued that the videos have damaged the reputations of those mentioned and exposed them to public ridicule.
In the petition, he accused Danbello of cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and defamation, claiming the allegations were false, misleading, and intended to tarnish the image of Senator Yari and Ajap Financial Services Limited for political reasons.
He urged security agencies to conduct a full investigation and prosecute the influencer if found culpable, insisting that such actions would serve as a deterrent against politically motivated cyber harassment.
The petition also noted that evidence, including flash drives containing the video clips and screenshots of social media posts, had been submitted to support the claims.
BACKSTORY…
The petition stems from growing political tensions in Zamfara State, where allegations of corruption and misuse of public funds have remained a recurring issue, especially involving former public office holders.
At the centre of the controversy is Abdulaziz Yari, who has faced public scrutiny over his time in office and remains a significant political figure in the state. The recent circulation of viral social media videos alleging that he diverted N1.7 trillion through Ajap Financial Services reignited debate and controversy around his financial dealings.
In response, Sani Shinkafi and associates moved to petition security agencies, arguing that the allegations were politically motivated and defamatory. The move reflects the increasing role of social media in shaping political narratives, especially as tensions rise ahead of future political contests in the state.
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