A Bauchi-based group, the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement, has called for the immediate release or arraignment of Mallam Rabiu Habibu Wanka, who has reportedly spent nearly nine months in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) without being formally charged.
According to TIB, Wanka was arrested on January 8, 2026, in Kuitum, Bauchi Local Government Area, by masked men identified by his family as DSS operatives. The arrest reportedly took place a day before his daughter’s wedding.
The group alleged that the Federal High Court in Bauchi, on June 22, ordered the DSS to arraign Wanka before a competent court within 14 days. However, TIB claimed that the agency had yet to comply with the order.
Related News:
47 Arrested With Weapons During Bauchi Bye-Election
Police Arrest Three Over Alleged Homicide, Foeticide in Bauchi
Bauchi Police Arrest Two Men Over Alleged Assault On Officers
TIB also raised concerns about the impact of Wanka’s prolonged detention on his family, alleging that his wife and children have been facing serious financial difficulties since his arrest.
The group is now urging the DSS to either release Wanka or present him before a competent court. It also called for his family and legal representatives to be granted access to him and urged relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding his arrest and continued detention.
TIB further appealed to the Attorney-General of the Federation, the National Judicial Council and the National Human Rights Commission to intervene in the matter.
About the Author
