EXCLUSIVE: DSS Masks Bauchi Man In Front Of His Children, Arrests Him Day Before Daughter’s Wedding, Family Says No Reason Given
Family members said the timing of the arrest and DSS’s failure to disclose the reason for Wanka’s arrest and detention made the situation even more painful, as they had been preparing for what was meant to be a joyous celebration.
A deep sense of fear and confusion has gripped the family of Rabiu Habibu Wanka in Bauchi State after his arrest by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) just a day before his daughter’s wedding.
Family sources said the incident occurred on January 8, 2026, shortly after Wanka observed Zuhr prayers in Kuntum, Bauchi Local Government Area. What was expected to be a normal afternoon reportedly turned into a moment of shock and distress for the family.
A distressed relative told SaharaReporters that “he was masked and taken away in the presence of his children and community members, just a day before his daughter’s wedding,” adding that cries and confusion broke out as DSS operatives whisked him away.
Family members said the timing of the arrest and DSS’s failure to disclose the reason for Wanka’s arrest and detention made the situation even more painful, as they had been preparing for what was meant to be a joyous celebration.
Barely two hours later, the distress reportedly deepened when about 20 operatives stormed Wanka’s residence, leaving relatives shaken and terrified.
Sources also alleged that the operatives did not present a search warrant before carrying out what they described as a forceful and unsettling raid.
“They conducted a raid, destroyed food items, and seized multiple personal belongings, including mobile phones, ATM cards, ID cards, a laptop, and important documents belonging to both family members and wedding guests,” the source said.
According to the family, the once lively household, which had been filled with wedding preparations, was reduced to a scene of disarray, with scattered belongings and a heavy atmosphere of despair.
Family members said the emotional toll was overwhelming, with some reportedly breaking down in tears while others struggled to come to terms with the sudden turn of events.
“Everything we planned for turned into sorrow overnight,” another relative said quietly.
The following day, January 9, 2026, brought another wave of anxiety.
Around 10:30 a.m., security operatives allegedly returned and took the entire family in for interrogation. They were held until about 7:00 p.m. before being released, reportedly following the intervention of the Mai Unguwa.
A family member, recalling the incident, described the experience as deeply unsettling.
“The children were terrified, and even the adults were shaken. We kept wondering what would happen next. Nobody told us anything,” the source said.
Since his arrest, the lack of information about Wanka’s condition and whereabouts has only deepened his family’s anguish.
“Since his arrest, the family has been denied access to him,” a member of the family said, noting that repeated efforts to get information have been unsuccessful.
According to them, the uncertainty has left them emotionally drained and desperate for answers.
In search of justice, the family has approached a court.
“A lawsuit has already been filed at the Federal High Court, Bauchi, in pursuit of justice. We filed a fundamental right enforcement action before the Federal High Court here in Bauchi, seeking among other reliefs, his immediate and unconditional release as well as damages,” the source explained.
Yet, the legal process has so far offered little clarity.
“Currently, the nature of the allegations against him is unknown. State Security Service (also known as DSS) is yet to respond to the application in court, creating further uncertainty on the allegations against him,” the family stated.
“This case raises serious concerns regarding abuse of power, violations of due process, and fundamental human rights,” the source added.
