Senator Shehu Buba Umar, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, is facing fresh allegations of supporting banditry, months after similar claims sparked controversy and investigations involving security agencies.
The latest allegation was made by a Bauchi resident identified simply as Hassan during an interview with social media influencer D English Alhaji Media. Hassan accused the senator of being among politicians allegedly supporting bandits operating in the area.
Hassan further alleged that individuals linked to wanted bandit kingpin Dogo Gide were brought to Abuja for specialised training, claiming that an aide of Senator Buba facilitated the arrangement.
The senator has strongly denied the allegations, describing Hassan’s claims as part of an attempt sponsored by political opponents to damage his reputation.
Speaking in an interview with Albarka Radio in Bauchi on Thursday, Buba said he had already petitioned the Inspector General of Police over the allegations and disclosed that four suspects had been arrested.
He alleged that Hassan, whom he described as the main suspect, had fled to Niger Republic, where he continued to make online broadcasts allegedly funded by his political opponents.
Buba maintained that the allegations were politically motivated and said those behind the campaign would not succeed in stopping his political career.
However, the Bauchi State Police Command said it could not confirm any investigation into the latest allegations because it had not received a formal complaint or petition from any of the parties.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Nafiu Habib, said the command had no position on the matter in the absence of an official complaint.
The fresh allegations have also drawn reactions from the senator’s allies. Mukhtar Gwarzo, a businessman who said he had known Buba for more than 20 years, defended the senator but called for the allegations to be thoroughly investigated.
Gwarzo said the matter involved national security and urged the Department of State Services, the National Assembly and relevant Hajj authorities to provide clear explanations where necessary. He also said anyone found culpable should face the full weight of the law.
The latest controversy follows an earlier allegation in 2024 involving two people who were registered for the Hajj through a senior legislative aide to the senator. One of them, Abubakar Idris, was subsequently arrested by the DSS over alleged links to banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara State.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed had in September 2024 petitioned President Bola Tinubu over the matter, alleging that the senator, through his aide, Yahaya Ibrahim, helped register and fund Idris and another person, Zainab Gado, for the pilgrimage.
The DSS later confirmed that investigations into the allegations against Senator Buba were ongoing, telling Saturday PUNCH that the outcome would be made public at the appropriate time.
Buba has also previously faced allegations over an alleged peace deal involving wanted bandit kingpin Bello Turji. His legal team subsequently petitioned the police, alleging that a group of individuals was conducting a coordinated campaign of defamation and cyberbullying against him.
The renewed controversy has now triggered calls for an independent investigation. Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, urged the DSS to clarify the status of its investigation and called on the National Assembly to consider an independent probe.
Dalung said political office or personal connections should not shield anyone from accountability, adding that Buba should either be cleared publicly if the allegations are found to be baseless or face the consequences if evidence of wrongdoing is established.