Senator Shehu Buba Umar has voluntarily submitted himself to security agencies for investigation. The senator represents Bauchi South Senatorial District. He is also the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) governorship candidate for the 2027 Bauchi election. The allegations link him to banditry, terrorism financing, kidnapping and other violent crimes. He made the disclosure at a press conference in Bauchi on Monday.
The allegations are not new. Buba said a similar campaign emerged in 2014. He said the earlier claims were investigated and debunked. They resurfaced in different forms years later. In September 2025, he petitioned the Nigeria Police Force over publications containing the allegations. That petition led to criminal proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja. On 7 September 2026, his legal team filed another petition seeking Interpol intervention over one of the persons believed to be behind the claims. The pattern mirrors other cases where political figures face criminal allegations that resurface during election cycles, often without resolution.
Buba’s lawyers, led by former Nigerian Bar Association President Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, formally wrote to the Department of State Services (DSS), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and Nigeria Police Force requesting a comprehensive investigation. Buba said he took the step to clear his name and allow the agencies to independently examine the allegations. “I have nothing to hide, and I have nothing to fear from any legitimate investigation,” he said. He challenged anyone with evidence to submit it to the appropriate authorities. “Do not hide behind social media. Do not rely on edited videos, insinuations, propaganda or anonymous allegations,” he said. He said he was prepared to face prosecution if investigators established a prima facie case against him. Copies of his submissions were forwarded to the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Intelligence, Chief of Defence Staff and Minister of Defence.
Buba previously chaired the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence. He said his past engagements with security and intelligence agencies could have been misrepresented as evidence of links with criminal elements. The DSS said its investigation would be made public at the appropriate time.
Winners: Buba, who gains a platform to confront his accusers and project transparency. The security agencies, which assert their role in resolving a politically charged allegation. The PRP, which can frame the probe as evidence of its candidate’s confidence. Losers: Buba’s accusers, who now face pressure to produce evidence in a formal setting. The PRP’s opponents, if the investigation clears Buba. The political process, which is again reduced to allegations and counter-allegations rather than policy debate. Bauchi voters, who must weigh criminal allegations against a governorship candidate without a resolved outcome.
Bottom Line: Buba has submitted himself to three security agencies. If they find nothing, his accusers should face consequences. If they find something, he should face prosecution. The middle ground of unresolved allegations is what damages Nigerian politics most.