Banditry Allegations: I’m Ready for Prosecution, Senator Buba challenges security agencies 

From Paul Orude Bauchi

Senator Shehu Buba Umar, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, has challenged security agencies to investigate allegations linking him to banditry, terrorism financing, kidnapping and other criminal activities, declaring that he is prepared to face prosecution if found culpable.

Buba, who chairs the Senate Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry and is the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) governorship candidate in Bauchi State for the 2027 election, spoke at a press conference in Bauchi on Monday.

The senator said he voluntarily made himself available to the relevant security agencies because he had nothing to conceal and was confident that a thorough investigation would establish the facts surrounding the allegations.

According to him, some of his previous interactions with military, intelligence and other security institutions had been misconstrued and deliberately presented as evidence of links with criminal groups.

Buba explained that those engagements were undertaken in his capacity as a senator involved in issues of national security and were primarily aimed at finding solutions to banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other security challenges affecting the country.

He said rather than asking Nigerians to accept his denial without verification, he had chosen to submit himself to scrutiny by the appropriate authorities.

The senator disclosed that he had taken legal steps against individuals whom he accused of circulating what he described as false and damaging claims.

He said a petition he submitted to the Nigeria Police Force in September 2025 over publications containing the allegations had led to criminal proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Buba further identified Hassan Saleh Hussaini as one of the individuals his legal team believed was responsible for several of the allegations. He alleged that Hussaini was operating from Niger Republic, adding that the matter had been brought to the attention of Interpol while legal steps were also being pursued in the neighbouring country.

However, the senator said the seriousness of the allegations, particularly their connection with terrorism and national security, made it necessary for security agencies to independently establish whether there was any substance to the claims.

He said his lawyers had submitted relevant documents to the security authorities, including the earlier police petition, information on the pending court proceedings, a September 7, 2026 petition requesting Interpol intervention and links to social media posts in which the allegations were made.

Copies of the submission, he added, were also sent to the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Minister of Defence.

Buba said he was not seeking immunity or preferential treatment, but wanted the allegations subjected to a professional and impartial investigation.

He maintained that if credible evidence established his involvement in any criminal activity, he was ready to face the consequences, just as those who deliberately fabricated and circulated false allegations should be held accountable if no evidence was found against him.

The senator also attributed what he described as the sustained allegations to the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

He alleged that his political opponents were attempting to damage his reputation and career instead of engaging him on issues affecting the people of Bauchi State.

Buba challenged his opponents to focus their campaigns on areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, security, employment, infrastructure and economic development rather than accusations of serious crimes.

He also appealed to his supporters not to respond to the allegations with insults, threats or violence, urging them to allow the relevant institutions to handle the matter according to the law.

Addressing those behind the allegations, the senator urged them to submit whatever evidence they possessed to the appropriate security authorities rather than relying on social media and public accusations.

Buba said his willingness to subject himself to investigation was a demonstration that public office did not place him above the law.

He expressed confidence that a credible investigation would establish the truth and provide Nigerians with the necessary clarification, subject to legitimate national security considerations.

The senator said he remained confident that the facts would ultimately speak for themselves.