Senator Shehu Buba Umar, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, has voluntarily submitted himself to the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for investigation into allegations linking him to banditry, terrorism financing, kidnapping and related crimes.
The lawmaker, who is also the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) governorship candidate in Bauchi State for the 2027 elections, made the disclosure at a press conference on Monday, September 14, 2026.
He described the allegations as politically motivated, defamatory and based on fabricated narratives and manipulated videos that have circulated on social media since 2024.
Buba stated that his legal team, led by former Nigerian Bar Association President Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN, had formally written to the DSS, DIA and Police requesting a comprehensive and independent investigation. He said he took the step to ensure the claims are properly examined by competent authorities rather than left to speculation online.
“I categorically and unequivocally deny these allegations. I have never sponsored, financed, armed, facilitated or supported banditry, terrorism, kidnapping or any criminal organisation or activities whatsoever,” the senator said. “I have nothing to hide, and I have nothing to fear from any legitimate investigation.”
He challenged anyone with credible evidence to submit it to the security agencies instead of spreading unverified claims on social media. Buba noted that similar allegations in the past had been investigated and dismissed, but they resurfaced in new forms amid his political activities.
The senator traced the origins of the claims to 2024, including a petition by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed to President Bola Tinubu alleging that an aide facilitated the registration of suspected individuals for the Hajj. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and said some of the viral videos were spliced from unrelated footage, such as Hajj returnees who visited him years earlier.
Buba also mentioned that his lawyers have pursued legal action against certain individuals, including one Hassan Sani Hussain, who is reportedly operating from Niger Republic. He said the matter has been reported for possible INTERPOL intervention, with counsel engaged in Niger to seek remedies for defamation.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry (and formerly of the Committee on National Security and Intelligence), Buba has maintained that his engagements with communities and security stakeholders form part of legitimate efforts to address insecurity through non-kinetic approaches.
The voluntary submission comes amid heightened public attention on the allegations. Security agencies have not issued an immediate public response on the status of any probe. The senator reiterated his readiness to face prosecution if any credible evidence emerges against him.
Further developments are expected as the agencies process the formal request for investigation.
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