DSS Officer Accused of Physically Assaulting Journalist Over Electricity Bill
In a shocking incident, Department of State Services (DSS) officer Dauda Auwalu Taura has been accused of physically assaulting journalist Mallam Shuaibu Zubair, a correspondent for Authority newspaper, after a disagreement over an outstanding electricity bill.
According to eyewitnesses, the altercation began when Zubair and other tenants in the building confronted Taura about his failure to settle his ₦5,000 electricity bill, of which he had only paid ₦4,000.
Things quickly took a dark turn, with Taura allegedly slapping Zubair multiple times and issuing ominous threats, claiming that his position within the DSS would protect him from any repercussions.
Zubair recalled the terrifying ordeal, stating, “Taura has been occupying two apartments, with a combined monthly electricity bill of ₦5,000. It was discovered that he had underpaid, leaving an outstanding balance of ₦1,000. When we confronted him about the issue, he became enraged and viciously attacked me.”
Zubair, who is still grappling with the aftermath of the assault, expressed concerns about his safety, saying living in the same building as Taura had become perilous. He also stated that the assault had left him with eye problems that are still unresolved.
Neighbor Maryam Aminu, who witnessed the altercation, corroborated Zubair’s account, saying, “Taura slapped him repeatedly and tried to strangle him. We had to rush out and call for help to rescue the journalist.”
Fellow resident Mallam Haliru Usman also supported Zubair’s claims, stating, “I was called to intervene during the dispute. After things settled down, I advised them to settle amicably, but the journalist insisted that he had been cheated and would take legal action. As a devout Muslim, I would swear to the truth of what I witnessed.”
Zubair has since filed a lawsuit against Taura, seeking redress for the assault and death threats. The case is expected to proceed in court once Taura has been served with a summons.
