‘I’ve nothing to hide’ – Sen. Buba submits self to DSS, police over banditry allegations

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Shehu Buba Umar, has voluntarily submitted himself to security agencies for investigation over allegations linking him to banditry, terrorism financing, kidnapping and other criminal activities.

The senator said he took the step to clear his name and allow the Department of State Services (DSS), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and Nigeria Police Force to independently investigate the allegations.

Speaking at a press conference in Bauchi on Monday, Shehu Buba said the allegations against him were not new, claiming that a similar campaign emerged in 2014.

He said the earlier allegations were investigated and debunked, but claimed that similar accusations had resurfaced years later in different forms.

The senator said the latest allegations became serious enough for him to seek the intervention of security agencies rather than allow the matter to remain a subject of social media speculation.

“I have nothing to hide, and I have nothing to fear from any legitimate investigation,” he said.

Shehu Buba said his lawyers, led by former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN, had formally written to the DSS, DIA and police requesting a comprehensive investigation.

He challenged anyone with evidence linking him to banditry, terrorism, kidnapping or the financing of criminal groups to submit such evidence to the appropriate authorities.

“Do not hide behind social media. Do not rely on edited videos, insinuations, propaganda or anonymous allegations,” he said.

The senator said he had previously taken legal action over what he described as false allegations, adding that some of those accused of spreading the claims were facing proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

He also referred to his September 2025 petition to the Nigeria Police Force and a September 7, 2026, petition seeking Interpol intervention over one of the persons his legal team believes is behind some of the allegations.

Shehu Buba said copies of his submissions had also been forwarded to the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Intelligence, Chief of Defence Staff and Minister of Defence.

The senator, who previously chaired the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, said his past engagements with security and intelligence agencies could have been misrepresented as evidence of links with criminal elements.

He said he was prepared to face prosecution if investigators established a prima facie case against him based on credible evidence.

Shehu Buba, who is seeking to contest the 2027 Bauchi governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party, said he believed the allegations were also being used to damage his political reputation.

He urged his supporters to remain calm and avoid insulting, threatening or attacking anyone over the allegations.

“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 senator added: “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.”