Reported by Ariajegbe Sylvia Esezobor
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 and kidnapping. The senator, who is also the Peoples Redemption Party governorship candidate for Bauchi State in the 2027 election, disclosed this at a press conference in Bauchi on Monday, September 14, 2026. He said he took the step to clear his name and allow the Department of State Services, the Defence Intelligence Agency and the Nigeria Police Force to conduct an independent investigation. His legal team, led by former Nigerian Bar Association President Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN, had formally written to the three agencies requesting a comprehensive probe. Copies of the submissions were also forwarded to the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Minister of Defence. “I have nothing to hide, and I have nothing to fear from any legitimate investigation,” Buba said. “My conscience is clear. I have voluntarily submitted myself for investigation because the truth should not be afraid of scrutiny.”
The allegations against Buba are not new. They first emerged in 2014, when similar claims were made and subsequently investigated and debunked, according to the senator. The controversy resurfaced in 2024 and gained renewed traction in August 2026 when a content creator known as “D English Alhaji” circulated videos alleging that bandit kingpins had visited Buba’s residence and that he had sponsored some of them. The claims included an allegation that Buba sponsored a bandit kingpin to perform the 2024 Hajj through an aide. The senator has consistently denied all the allegations, describing them as fabricated, politically motivated and defamatory. He said the viral videos were manipulated and that the claims were part of a deliberate campaign to damage his reputation. His position is complicated by his previous role as Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, a position he held for two years. Buba said his legitimate engagements with military, intelligence and security agencies in that capacity may have been misrepresented by his accusers as evidence of links with criminal elements. “I categorically and unequivocally deny these allegations,” he said. “I have never sponsored, financed, armed, facilitated, or supported banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, or any criminal organisation or activities whatsoever.”
Buba has taken legal action over the allegations. He petitioned the Nigeria Police Force in September 2025 over publications containing the claims, resulting in criminal proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja. His legal team also instituted action against an individual believed to be behind some of the allegations, with the matter referred for Interpol intervention. On September 7, 2026, his lawyers filed another petition seeking Interpol’s involvement. The senator said litigation alone was no longer sufficient because the allegations bordered on national security and required professional investigation rather than political arguments. He challenged anyone with evidence linking him to criminal activities to submit it to the appropriate security agencies rather than circulate it on social media. “Do not hide behind social media. Do not rely on edited videos, insinuations, propaganda or anonymous allegations,” he said. He also urged security agencies to invite those making the allegations and compel them to substantiate their claims with credible evidence. Buba said he was prepared to face prosecution if investigators established a prima facie case against him based on credible evidence, and that he had also made himself available to international organisations, including Amnesty International.
The allegations have drawn reactions from across Nigeria’s political and religious landscape. The Peoples Redemption Party has strongly defended its governorship candidate, dismissing the claims as a campaign of lies aimed at damaging his reputation ahead of the 2027 election. The party said it could no longer remain silent after becoming convinced that the claims were part of a deliberate effort to undermine Buba’s growing popularity and strong prospects. The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria called for a fresh investigation into the allegations, saying it had followed the renewed claims with deep concern. Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a prominent Islamic cleric, warned that Buba should not be made a victim of political blackmail. Solomon Dalung, a former minister, said the allegations required more maturity than social media was offering and urged the DSS to disclose the outcome of its probe. An Igbo group, the Igbo Community Assembly, demanded Buba’s arrest and prosecution, alleging that multiple sources close to the senator had reported direct contact between him and confirmed terrorist suspects. The conflicting reactions reflect the polarised nature of the debate and the high stakes involved.
The case raises significant questions about the intersection of politics, security and the rule of law in Nigeria. Buba’s decision to submit himself voluntarily to the DSS, DIA and police is unusual for a sitting senator and suggests a calculated attempt to force the allegations into a formal investigative process where evidence, rather than social media speculation, determines the outcome. His legal team’s decision to involve Interpol indicates the senator believes some of his accusers may be outside Nigeria’s jurisdiction. The security agencies have not announced a timeline for their investigation or confirmed whether they have invited those making the allegations. Buba has urged his supporters to remain calm and refrain from insults, threats or attacks, saying the matter should be resolved through lawful processes. He reaffirmed his commitment to peace, security and service to the people of Bauchi State and Nigeria, saying he would accept the outcome of any credible investigation based on facts and evidence. For now, the senator has placed his fate in the hands of investigators. Whether the probe clears his name or produces charges will shape not only his political future but also public confidence in the ability of Nigeria’s security institutions to handle politically sensitive allegations without fear or favour.
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