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From Paul Orude, Bauchi
Senator Shehu Buba Umar, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, has challenged security agencies to thoroughly investigate allegations linking him to banditry, terrorism financing, kidnapping and other criminal activities, declaring that he is ready to face prosecution if found culpable.
Buba, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) governorship candidate in Bauchi State for the 2027 election, said he had voluntarily submitted himself to scrutiny because he had nothing to hide.
Speaking at a press conference in Bauchi, yesterday, the senator said rather than asking Nigerians to accept his denial of the allegations, he wanted the appropriate security agencies to independently establish the truth.
He explained that some of his previous interactions with military, intelligence and other security institutions had been misconstrued and deliberately portrayed as evidence of links with criminal groups.
According to him, the engagements were undertaken in his capacity as a senator involved in national security matters and were aimed at finding solutions to banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other security challenges confronting the country.
Buba said the gravity of the allegations, particularly those relating to terrorism and national security, made an independent investigation imperative.
He disclosed that his lawyers had submitted relevant documents to security authorities, including an earlier police petition, information relating to pending court proceedings, a September 7, 2026 petition seeking Interpol intervention and links to social media posts containing the allegations.
Copies of the submission, he said, were also forwarded to the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Intelligence, Chief of Defence Staff and Minister of Defence.
The senator insisted that he was neither seeking immunity nor preferential treatment, but wanted the allegations subjected to professional and impartial investigation.
He maintained that if credible evidence established his involvement in any criminal activity, he was prepared to face the consequences.
Buba, however, said those who deliberately fabricated and circulated false allegations should equally be held accountable if investigations established that there was no evidence against him.
The senator disclosed that he had previously taken legal steps against individuals he accused of circulating false and damaging claims against him.
According to him, a petition submitted to the Nigeria Police Force in September 2025 over publications containing some of the allegations resulted in criminal proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Buba identified Hassan Saleh Hussaini as one of the individuals his legal team believed was responsible for several of the allegations.
He alleged that Hussaini was operating from Niger Republic, adding that the matter had been brought to the attention of Interpol while legal action was also being pursued in the neighbouring country.
The senator attributed the sustained allegations against him to political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 Bauchi governorship election, alleging that opponents were attempting to destroy his reputation rather than engage him on issues affecting the state.
He challenged his opponents to focus on education, healthcare, agriculture, security, employment, infrastructure and economic development instead of what he described as unfounded criminal allegations.
Buba also urged his supporters not to respond to the controversy with insults, threats or violence, but to allow the appropriate institutions to investigate the matter in accordance with the law.
He challenged those making the allegations to submit whatever evidence they possessed to the relevant security agencies rather than relying on social media and public accusations.
The senator said his decision to submit himself to investigation demonstrated that holding public office did not place anyone above the law.
He expressed confidence that a credible investigation would establish the truth and provide Nigerians with the necessary clarification, subject to legitimate national security considerations.
