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Bauchi State governorship candidate of the PRP and senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Shehu Buba, has claimed that he has handed himself over to security agencies for investigation into alleged links with terrorists and bandits.
Buba at a press conference in Bauchi stated that he voluntarily surrendered himself for investigation because he had nothing to hide or fear.
He insisted that the allegations against him were untrue, adding that they first emerged in 2024, and continued despite efforts to seek legal redress against those allegedly responsible for spreading them.
The senator said, “I am calling this press conference because the repeated allegations circulating against me, claims linking my name to banditry, terrorism financing, kidnapping and other violent criminal activities, have reached a point where silence is no longer enough.
“What was initially a politically motivated smear campaign against me in 2024 has been forcefully debunked, and I am taking legal action against those behind it.
“When the lies later resurfaced in another form, I officially reported the matter to the security agencies, and some of the suspects are currently on trial at the Federal High Court.”
Buba said he had, through his legal team led by former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), written to the Department of State Services, Defense Intelligence Agency and the Nigerian Police, requesting a comprehensive investigation into the allegations.
He added, “I have nothing to hide, and I have nothing to fear from a legitimate investigation.
“It is for this reason that, through my legal team, I have voluntarily submitted myself to the Department of State Services for a thorough and comprehensive investigation into any allegations made against me.”
The Senator categorically denies sponsoring, funding, arming, facilitating or supporting banditry, terrorism, kidnapping or any other criminal organization.
He urged anyone with credible evidence against him to submit the case to the competent security agencies rather than relying on social media publications.
“Don’t hide behind social media. Don’t rely on edited videos, innuendo, propaganda or anonymous accusations. Take whatever evidence you have to the appropriate security agencies and let the law take its course,” said Buba.
He also stated that he was ready to cooperate with the DSS, Police, DIA, military and other competent institutions to investigate these allegations.
According to him, he has also been willing to help relevant international organizations, including Amnesty International, who may have concerns about the controversy.
Buba said he would accept charges if a prima facie case was made against him based on credible and verifiable evidence.
He stated, “If a prima facie case is made against me based on credible and verifiable evidence, I am ready to face prosecution. If a competent court ultimately finds me guilty, I will accept the consequences prescribed by law.”
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The senator said his lawyers had submitted relevant documents to security agencies, including his September 2025 petition to the Nigerian Police, information about criminal proceedings pending at the Federal High Court in Abuja, a September 7, 2026 petition requesting INTERPOL intervention and links to social media publications containing the allegations.
He said copies of the handover were also forwarded to the National Security Advisor, Chief of Defense Intelligence, Chief of Defense Staff and Minister of Defense.
Buba explained that he previously served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, where he worked closely with security and intelligence agencies on issues related to banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
He said some of his involvement in that capacity was sensitive due to the nature of national security operations, and added that those activities had now been spun to suggest he had ties to criminal elements.
“I will not ask Nigerians to take my word for it. That is why I handed myself over to the relevant security agencies. Let the professionals investigate. Let them check the records. Let them interrogate me if necessary,” he said.
The Senator recalled that he petitioned the police in September 2025 over the publication containing the allegations, which resulted in criminal proceedings currently underway at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
He further alleged that Hassan Saleh Hussaini, who his legal team believes is behind some of the allegations, is operating from the Republic of Niger.
He said the matter had been reported for INTERPOL intervention, while his legal advisor had been serving in Niger Republic.
Buba also linked the allegations to his political ambitions, noting that he had declared his intention to contest the 2027 gubernatorial election in Bauchi State on the platform of the People’s Redemption Party.
He said, “Politics should not be an excuse to destroy people’s reputations with accusations of terrorism and other serious crimes. Let us debate about development. Let us debate about education, health services, agriculture, security, jobs, infrastructure and the future of Bauchi State.”
The latest controversy follows the circulation of a video of a content creator named ‘D English Alhaji’ accusing the alleged bandit kingpin of visiting Buba’s residence.
The allegations were further strengthened after a resident identified as Hassan accused the senator, during an interview with a social media influencer, of being among the politicians allegedly helping bandits in the area.
Hassan also alleged that persons associated with alleged bandit kingpin, Dogo Gide, were brought to Abuja for special training, allegedly facilitated by the senator’s aide.
