DSS officer slaps, threatens journalist over unpaid electricity bill in Kebbi

A Department of State Services (DSS) officer attached to the Kebbi State Command, identified as Dauda Auwalu Taura, has been accused of assaulting a journalist, Mallam Shuaibu Zubair, a correspondent for Authority newspaper, following a disagreement over an unpaid electricity bill.

The conflict reportedly began when Taura, who owed ₦5,000 for electricity but paid only ₦4,000, was confronted by his co-tenants, led by Zubair. The confrontation escalated when Taura allegedly slapped Zubair multiple times and issued death threats, boasting that his position in the DSS would shield him from repercussions.

Recounting the ordeal, Zubair said: “Taura occupies two apartments, each billed at ₦2,500 monthly. The total bill for the tenants is ₦10,000. When we noticed he had underpaid, we approached him to discuss it. Instead, he slapped me six times in front of other tenants and said, ‘You have received a beating for nothing, and you will die for nothing. If I kill you today, nothing will happen.’”

Zubair revealed that the assault left him with aggravated eye problems and a deep sense of insecurity living in the same building as the DSS officer.

Neighbors confirmed the attack. Maryam Aminu recounted: “He slapped him twice, tore at his clothes, and tried to strangle him before neighbors stepped in to intervene.”

Another neighbor, Mallam Haliru Usman, corroborated the incident, saying: “I was called to help resolve the issue. Afterward, I suggested an amicable settlement, but the journalist insisted he had been wronged and would pursue legal action. As a witness, I am ready to testify truthfully.”

Zubair has filed a lawsuit against Taura over the assault and death threats. The case will be heard in court once the summons is served.

Attempts to reach the DSS for comments on the matter were unsuccessful as of the time of this report.