By Our Correspondent
Senator Shehu Buba, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, has denied fresh allegations linking him to banditry, describing the claims as part of a politically motivated campaign aimed at damaging his reputation.
Buba, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, said he had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over the allegations and claimed that four suspects had been arrested in connection with the matter.
The latest controversy followed allegations made by a local resident identified simply as Hassan during an interview with social media influencer D English Alhaji Media. Hassan alleged that Buba was among politicians supporting banditry in the area.
He further alleged that individuals associated with notorious bandit leader Dogo Gide were taken to Abuja for specialised training, purportedly with the assistance of one of the senator’s aides. The allegations have not been independently verified.
Responding in an interview published by Albarka Radio in Bauchi on Thursday, Buba rejected the claims and accused his political opponents of sponsoring the allegations to undermine him.
The senator also alleged that Hassan, whom he described as the principal suspect, had fled to Niger Republic and was continuing to make allegations online with financial support from his political opponents.
“Those sponsoring him cannot change destiny; if God says I will be, nobody can stop me using social media propaganda against me,” Buba said.
Police Say No Formal Complaint Received
The Bauchi State Police Command said it had not received any formal complaint concerning the latest allegations and therefore could not comment substantively on the matter.
The command’s spokesperson, Nafiu Habib, said the matter had not been formally brought before the state police authorities.
“We have not received any petition by anyone on the said allegation, so we don’t have a stake in the matter,” Habib said.
Ally Calls for Full Investigation
Meanwhile, businessman and political associate of Buba, Mukhtar Gwarzo, has urged security agencies and other relevant institutions to thoroughly investigate the allegations.
Gwarzo, Managing Director of Nixon Energy and Nixon Telecoms, said the accusations were too serious to be ignored because of their potential implications for national security.
He said the facts should be established “clearly and without fear or favour.”
While defending Buba’s character, Gwarzo stressed that the senator should not be shielded from scrutiny.
“I am not asking anyone to close their eyes. I am not asking for silence. Let every allegation be thoroughly investigated.”
He called on the Department of State Services, the National Assembly and relevant Hajj authorities to provide clarity on the various claims.
Gwarzo said anyone found culpable should face the law, while those falsely accused should also be cleared.
2024 Hajj Petition Resurfaces
The latest allegations have revived scrutiny of an earlier petition involving the senator.
In September 2024, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed reportedly wrote President Bola Tinubu over the registration and funding of two individuals, Abubakar Idris and Zainab Gado, for the 2024 Hajj.
The petition alleged that Idris was suspected of involvement in banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara State and that the two individuals were registered through Yahaya Ibrahim, identified in the petition as an aide to Buba.
According to the account, DSS operatives visited the Bauchi State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board during the 2024 Hajj operations and requested the e-passports of the two intending pilgrims.
Gado’s passport had reportedly been released before the DSS visit and she had travelled for the pilgrimage, while Idris’ passport was handed over to the agency. Idris was subsequently detained, according to reports.
Governor Mohammed described the circumstances as concerning and alleged that they raised questions about possible support for individuals involved in criminal activities.
Buba has previously denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated. Reports also indicate that the DSS investigated aspects of the matter but has not publicly disclosed its findings.
DSS Yet to Disclose Findings
When contacted about the status of the investigation, a DSS spokesperson said the agency’s findings would be published “at the appropriate time.”
The absence of a publicly disclosed outcome has continued to fuel calls for clarification from security agencies and other relevant institutions.
The latest allegations against Buba remain unproven, and no conviction establishing that he sponsored or supported banditry has been reported. The senator continues to deny the claims, while calls persist for competent authorities to investigate and establish the facts.
