A driver reportedly attached to Abubakar Inuwa Kari, the Chief of Staff to Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has been accused of physically assaulting a serving councillor in Gombe metropolis.
The incident came to public attention after a video circulated widely on social media, showing the driver, identified as Adamu Danko, allegedly slapping the councillor, Dan Buba, in an alleyway. In the footage, the councillor is seen seated on his motorcycle, pleading and apologising in what appeared to be an attempt to calm the situation.
Voices believed to be those of individuals accompanying the driver could be heard in the background, confronting the councillor and questioning statements allegedly attributed to him. The driver was also heard verbally berating the councillor and invoking the authority of the Chief of Staff.
Sources familiar with the matter said the confrontation may be linked to an audio recording allegedly connected to the councillor, in which he was accused of claiming that he received ₦30 million to slap the Chief of Staff.
The incident has sparked widespread reactions from members of the public, civil society organisations, and political observers, with many condemning the alleged assault and calling for a transparent investigation.
Reacting to the development, lawyer and human rights activist Ahmed Yerima, strongly criticised the alleged attack, describing it as unlawful and a violation of the rule of law.
In a statement, Yerima confirmed that Councillor Dan Buba was allegedly assaulted and verbally abused by a driver said to be attached to the Government House in Gombe State.
According to him, such actions are unacceptable in a democratic society and must not be treated lightly, stressing the need for accountability and respect for the rule of law.
