The senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Shehu Buba, has voluntarily submitted himself to security agencies for investigation over allegations linking him to banditry, terrorism financing, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Buba, who spoke at a press briefing in Bauchi on Monday, said he had nothing to hide or fear from a legitimate investigation, insisting that the allegations against him were false.
He said the allegations, which first surfaced in 2024, had continued despite his efforts to seek legal redress against those allegedly responsible for spreading them.
The senator said, “I have called this press conference because the allegations repeatedly circulated against me, claims linking my name to banditry, terrorism financing, kidnapping and other violent criminal activities, have reached a point where silence is no longer sufficient.
“What began as a politically motivated smear campaign against me in 2024 was forcefully debunked, and I took legal action against those behind it.
“When the falsehood later resurfaced in another form, I formally reported the matter to security agencies, and some of the suspects are currently being prosecuted in the Federal High Court.”
Buba said he had, through his legal team led by a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), written to the Department of State Services, Defence Intelligence Agency and the Nigeria Police Force, requesting comprehensive investigations into the allegations.
He added, “I have nothing to hide, and I have nothing to fear from any legitimate investigation.
“It is for this reason that, through my legal team, I have voluntarily submitted myself to the Department of State Services for a thorough and comprehensive investigation into every allegation made against me.”
The senator categorically denied sponsoring, financing, arming, facilitating or supporting banditry, terrorism, kidnapping or any criminal organisation.
He urged anyone with credible evidence against him to submit it to the appropriate security agencies rather than relying on social media publications.
“Do not hide behind social media. Do not rely on edited videos, insinuations, propaganda or anonymous allegations. Take whatever evidence you have to the appropriate security agencies and allow the law to take its course,” Buba said.
He also said he was prepared to cooperate with the DSS, Police, DIA, military and other competent institutions investigating the allegations.
According to him, he had also made himself available to relevant international organisations, including Amnesty International, that might have concerns over the controversy.
Buba said he would accept prosecution if a prima facie case was established against him based on credible and verifiable evidence.
He stated, “If a prima facie case is established against me based on credible and verifiable evidence, I am prepared to face prosecution. If a competent court eventually finds me guilty, I will accept the consequences prescribed by law.”
The senator said his lawyers had submitted relevant documents to the security agencies, including his September 2025 petition to the Nigeria Police Force, information on pending criminal proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja, a September 7, 2026, petition seeking INTERPOL intervention and links to social media publications containing the allegations.
He said copies of the submission were also forwarded to the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Intelligence, Chief of Defence Staff and Minister of Defence.
Buba explained that he had previously served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, where he worked closely with security and intelligence agencies on issues relating to banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
He said some of his engagements in that capacity were sensitive because of the nature of national security operations, adding that such activities were now being distorted to suggest that he had relationships with criminal elements.
“I will not ask Nigerians simply to take my word for it. That is precisely why I have submitted myself to the relevant security agencies. Let the professionals investigate. Let them examine the records. Let them interrogate me where necessary,” he said.
The senator recalled that he petitioned the police in September 2025 over publications containing the allegations, resulting in criminal proceedings currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
He further alleged that one Hassan Saleh Hussaini, whom his legal team believed was behind some of the allegations, was operating from Niger Republic.
He said the matter had been reported for INTERPOL intervention, while legal counsel had been engaged in Niger Republic.
Buba also linked the allegations to his political ambition, noting that he had declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Bauchi State on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party.
He said, “Politics must never become an excuse for destroying people’s reputations with allegations of terrorism and other grave crimes. Let us debate development. Let us debate education, healthcare, agriculture, security, jobs, infrastructure and the future of Bauchi State.”
The senator appealed to his supporters to remain calm and avoid insults, threats, violence or retaliation against his accusers.
“To my supporters across Bauchi State and beyond, I appeal for calm. Do not insult anyone on my behalf. Do not threaten anyone. Do not engage in violence or retaliation. We must allow the law to work,” he said.
Buba, however, maintained that he remained committed to peace, security, justice and service to the people, insisting that every allegation against him should be subjected to impartial investigation.
“My conscience is clear. I have nothing to hide. I have voluntarily submitted myself for investigation because the truth should not be afraid of scrutiny,” he said.
The PUNCH reports that the latest controversy followed the circulation of videos by a content creator identified as ‘D English Alhaji’, who alleged that suspected bandit kingpins had visited Buba’s residence.
The allegations were further amplified after a resident identified as Hassan accused the senator, during an interview with the social media influencer, of being among politicians allegedly aiding bandits in the area.
Hassan also alleged that individuals linked to suspected bandit kingpin, Dogo Gide, were brought to Abuja for specialised training, allegedly facilitated by an aide of the senator