In an alarming incident in Kebbi State, a Department of State Security (DSS) officer identified as Dauda Auwalu Taura allegedly slapped a journalist, Mallam Shuaibu Zubair, after a dispute over an unpaid electricity bill.
Zubair, a correspondent for Authority Newspaper, had confronted Taura over his failure to pay his share of the bill.
The altercation began when Taura, who resides in two apartments, reportedly contributed only N4,000 of the N5,000 required to cover the electricity costs for the building. When tenants, including Zubair, discovered the discrepancy, they approached him. Taura became enraged, allegedly slapped Zubair six times, and threatened him, saying, “If I kill you today, nothing will happen.”
Zubair, who suffers from eye problems, claimed the assault worsened his condition. He expressed fear for his safety and for living in the same building as the DSS officer.
Neighbors witnessed the event, with one, Maryam Aminu, recounting that Taura slapped Zubair twice in their presence and attempted to strangle him. The situation only de-escalated after other neighbors intervened. Mallam Haliru Usman, another neighbor, confirmed the dispute, adding that while he encouraged a peaceful resolution, Zubair insisted on taking further action.
Zubair has vowed to pursue the matter legally, citing the severity of the attack and Taura’s abuse of power.
