Senator Buba Submits Himself to DSS, Police, DIA Over Banditry Allegations

Senator Shehu Buba Umar, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, has voluntarily submitted himself to Nigeria’s security agencies for investigation over allegations linking him to banditry, terrorism financing, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Buba made the disclosure at a press conference in Bauchi on Tuesday, saying he was prepared to cooperate fully with investigators and allow them to establish the facts behind the allegations.

The senator said the repeated circulation of the claims had made a professional investigation necessary, arguing that allegations involving national security should not be reduced to political arguments.

Buba explained that his previous responsibilities in the National Assembly exposed him to sensitive security and intelligence matters, during which he worked with the military, intelligence agencies and other security institutions to tackle banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other crimes.

He said some of those engagements were confidential because of their national security implications but alleged that legitimate security-related activities had been distorted to create the impression that he was connected to criminal elements.

“I have nothing to hide nor fear. It is for this reason that through his legal team led by former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, I have voluntarily submitted myself to the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations levelled against me.”

Buba said he had previously petitioned the Nigeria Police Force in September 2025 over publications containing the allegations, leading to criminal proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja. He added that his legal team had also initiated proceedings against an individual it believed was responsible for some of the claims, with the matter reportedly referred for Interpol intervention.

However, the senator said court proceedings alone were no longer enough because of the national security implications of the allegations. He urged the DSS, Police, DIA and other relevant agencies to investigate the claims thoroughly and determine whether there was evidence linking him to any criminal activity.

Buba also appealed to his supporters to remain calm and avoid insults, threats, violence or retaliation. He challenged anyone with evidence against him to submit it to the appropriate authorities.

“If there is evidence against me, let it be produced. If there is none, those who have deliberately manufactured and circulated these allegations should equally be held accountable under the law,” he said.

The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to peace, security, justice and service to Bauchi State and Nigeria, adding that he was prepared to accept the outcome of any credible investigation based on facts and evidence.