Disclose outcome of probe into Senator Buba’s alleged bandit link – Dalung urges DSS

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Dalung has urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to make public the outcome of its investigation into allegations linking Senator Shehu Buba Umar to a suspected bandit, Abubakar Idris.

Dalung said the allegation should not be treated as a mere political disagreement, stressing that it raises important questions about national security and the integrity of the country’s security system.

He made the call in a post on his verified Facebook page, insisting that Senator Buba should not be regarded as guilty without credible evidence, but arguing that the senator’s denial alone should not bring the matter to an end.

Dalung said the authorities needed to establish the facts surrounding the allegation and provide Nigerians with clarity on whether the DSS investigated the matter and, if so, what the investigation established.

He said, “No one has said Senator Buba is guilty. He has denied the allegations, and no court has convicted him. If the allegations are false, the appropriate thing is to clear his name. But if there is credible evidence behind them, then this is not merely a disagreement between politicians. It becomes a matter concerning the integrity of Nigeria’s security architecture.”

The controversy dates back to September 2024, when Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed petitioned security authorities over allegations that Senator Buba facilitated and supported banditry, including the registration of Idris for the 2024 Hajj.

Senator Buba dismissed the allegations as baseless and malicious, explaining that he sponsored pilgrims based on recommendations from elders, community leaders and religious figures.

However, Idris was reportedly described in security reports as a suspected bandit allegedly involved in banditry and kidnapping activities in Zamfara State.

According to Dalung, reports at the time indicated that the DSS arrested Idris in August 2024 as he prepared to travel to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj and took possession of his passport.

Dalung said the issue became more significant because Senator Buba was, at the time, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

He said the position made the allegations worthy of proper scrutiny, particularly because of the sensitive nature of the committee’s responsibilities.

Dalung said, “At the time these allegations surfaced, Senator Shehu Buba Umar was Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence. That is not an ordinary committee. It is one of the most sensitive positions in the National Assembly, dealing directly with issues around the nation’s security and intelligence architecture.”

He questioned what the alleged relationship between Senator Buba and Idris entailed, how Idris was registered for the Hajj and whether the security agencies established any connection between the two men.

He also asked whether the DSS investigation was concluded, whether Senator Buba was cleared and whether anyone was prosecuted following the investigation.

According to him, the questions should be addressed through facts and evidence rather than political exchanges.

Dalung further called on the relevant Hajj authorities to explain the process through which Idris was registered and sponsored for the pilgrimage.

He asked the authorities to clarify who nominated Idris, who approved his sponsorship, what documentation was presented and whether security checks were conducted before his registration.

The former minister said the DSS should clarify the status of its investigation, arguing that while sensitive intelligence may not be released to the public, Nigerians should at least be informed whether the investigation was concluded and what its broad findings were.

He also called for an independent review of the matter, particularly because of Senator Buba’s position at the time the allegations emerged.

Dalung said such a review would help restore public confidence and ensure that allegations involving public officials and suspected criminals were handled without political considerations.

He said, “If the allegations are found to have no basis, the authorities should say so clearly and publicly. Senator Buba should not be left permanently under a cloud of suspicion because an allegation was made and never conclusively resolved. But if evidence establishes wrongdoing, the law should take its course regardless of who is involved.”

Dalung also called for stronger institutional procedures for handling allegations involving politicians or public officials and individuals suspected of terrorism, banditry or organised crime.

The former minister said such allegations should trigger prompt and impartial investigations, proper documentation and, where necessary, public clarification.

He added that resolving the matter transparently would serve the interests of Senator Buba, Bauchi State and the country at large.