Senator Abdulaziz Yari has been reportedly detained by Nigeria’s State Security Service (SSS) for two nights after ignoring phone calls from President Bola Tinubu. According to senior security officials and a State House aide who spoke anonymously to the Peoples Gazette, Senator Yari was arrested on Thursday morning for “thinking the president is a joke” and detained for questioning.
The officials stated that President Tinubu had called Senator Yari multiple times last month during the Senate leadership battle, urging him to stand down from his ambitions. However, Senator Yari argued that decisions about his political career should not come from the president and that he had the right to contest for the position.
Sources revealed that Senator Yari received a call from the director-general of the SSS, Yusuf Bichi, to report to their headquarters for an urgent discussion. Upon arrival, he was kept waiting and later informed that he would not be released. His phones were confiscated, and it is anticipated that he may spend days or even weeks in custody. As a result, Senator Yari’s planned visit with other Senate colleagues to former President Ibrahim Babangida was canceled.
It is worth noting that Senator Yari’s associates in the Senate have alleged irregularities in the election and may challenge the outcome in court. This potential lawsuit could further strain his relationship with President Tinubu, and officials warn of potential consequences for Senator Yari’s political future.
The detention of Abdulrasheed Bawa, the former head of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the dismissal and detention of Godwin Emefiele, the former central bank governor, have also raised concerns. These actions have been attributed to President Tinubu, who allegedly has unresolved issues with both individuals.
It is important to emphasize that the information provided is based on anonymous sources and should be treated as such until official statements or confirmations are made.
