BREAKING: BAUCHI DSS ACCUSED OF PRESSURING TAKE IT BACK COORDINATOR TO REPORT FOR QUESTIONING DESPITE ILL HEALTH

The Bauchi State coordinator of the Take It Back Movement (TIB), Nazif Bashi, has accused operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) of pressuring him to report to the agency’s command office despite informing them that he was ill.

Bashi made the allegation in a statement issued on Monday, October 12, 2026, in which he described the invitation as sudden and said the manner in which it was delivered left him concerned about what he characterised as intimidation by security operatives.

According to Bashi, he received a telephone call from a DSS officer at approximately 12:44 p.m. on Monday. He said the officer subsequently handed the phone to a senior official, who allegedly instructed him to report to the DSS command office by 2:00 p.m. that same day.

The activist said he informed the senior officer that he was indisposed and resting because of his health condition. However, he alleged that the officer responded aggressively, accused him of being “stubborn” and continued to insist that he appear at the command office despite his explanation.

Bashi said the short notice made it difficult for him to arrange his attendance, particularly given his reported ill health. He maintained that he was not in a condition to comply with the immediate demand and wanted the meeting rescheduled to a more suitable time.

According to the coordinator, the senior officer later asked whether he could send his deputy or secretary to the command office in his place. Bashi said he could not guarantee that either representative would be available because of the limited time provided.

He explained that he nevertheless contacted members of his executive council to determine whether anyone could attend on his behalf. However, he said none of the executive members was available to honour the invitation at such short notice.

The Take It Back Movement coordinator said he ultimately refused to yield to what he described as intimidation. He insisted that any meeting with the security agency should be postponed until he was medically fit to attend and could be accompanied by legal counsel.

Bashi described the alleged conduct of the senior DSS officer as “informal pressure and unlawful intimidation,” arguing that security agencies should conduct their engagements with citizens in a manner that respects their health, safety and personal liberty.

He also called on members of the public, human rights organisations and international observers to take note of the incident, saying he wanted the circumstances surrounding the invitation and the alleged pressure placed on him to receive public attention.

The activist further maintained that participation in civic and political activities should not expose individuals to harassment by security agencies. He stressed that engaging in public advocacy was not a criminal act and said the DSS should be held responsible for his safety and well-being.

The Take It Back Movement is involved in civic and political advocacy, including campaigns relating to governance, human rights and economic hardship. Its members have previously raised concerns over the treatment of activists and individuals detained by security agencies.

The latest allegation comes amid other reported concerns involving the DSS in Bauchi State. In a separate case reported earlier in October, the movement called for the release or arraignment of Bauchi resident Rabiu Habibu Wanka, who was reported to have spent months in DSS custody without being formally charged. The circumstances and legal status of that case should be distinguished from Bashi’s current complaint.

The allegations against the DSS in the latest incident have not been independently established. As of the time of reporting, the agency had not provided a public response to Bashi’s specific claims, and efforts to obtain its comments were reportedly unsuccessful.

The circumstances surrounding the invitation, including the reason the agency wanted to meet Bashi and whether a new date would be arranged, remain unclear. Further clarification from the DSS could help establish the purpose of the invitation and address the coordinator’s concerns.

The incident has renewed attention on the relationship between security agencies and civic activists, particularly the importance of clear communication, reasonable notice and respect for individual rights during official engagements.

Street News Reporters will continue to monitor the development, including any response from the DSS, clarification from the Take It Back Movement and further information about whether the meeting will be rescheduled.