Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Shehu Buba Umar, has said he is ready to face any legitimate investigation by security agencies over allegations linking him to banditry, terrorism financing, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Buba made the declaration on Monday at a press conference in Bauchi, saying he had voluntarily submitted himself to the Department of State Services (DSS) for a comprehensive investigation.
The senator insisted that he had “nothing to hide and nothing to fear”, describing the allegations against him as serious claims that should be subjected to proper investigation rather than social media speculation.
He said the allegations, which he described as a politically motivated smear campaign that began in 2024, had resurfaced in different forms despite previous legal actions and reports to relevant authorities.
“For the avoidance of doubt, and despite my deliberate silence over the past months, I categorically and unequivocally deny these allegations. I have never sponsored, financed, armed, facilitated or supported banditry, terrorism, kidnapping or any criminal organisation or activity whatsoever.
“I have nothing to hide, and I have nothing to fear from any legitimate investigation,” he said.
Buba disclosed that, through his legal team led by former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN, he had formally written to the DSS, Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and Nigeria Police Force, requesting investigations into the allegations.
He said the step was necessary because allegations of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping against a serving senator should not be allowed to remain matters of social media speculation.
“These are serious crimes. They should be investigated seriously,” he said.
The senator challenged anyone with credible evidence linking him to criminal activities to submit such evidence to the appropriate security agencies.
“Do not hide behind social media. Do not rely on edited videos, insinuations, propaganda or anonymous allegations. Take whatever evidence you have to the appropriate security agencies and allow the law to take its course,” he said.
Buba said he had also asked security agencies to invite those making the allegations and require them to substantiate their claims with credible evidence.
He added that he had made himself available to international bodies, including Amnesty International, and was prepared to cooperate fully with the DSS, police, DIA, military and other competent institutions.
“I seek no special treatment. My position is simple. Let every allegation be subjected to impartial scrutiny, let every piece of evidence be examined, and let the truth prevail,” he said.
The senator further declared that he was prepared to face prosecution if a prima facie case was established against him based on credible and verifiable evidence.
“If a prima facie case is established against me on the basis of credible and verifiable evidence, I am prepared to face prosecution.
“If a competent court eventually finds me guilty, I will accept the consequences prescribed by law. That is how strongly I believe in my innocence,” he said.
Buba recalled his tenure as Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, saying he worked closely with military, intelligence and other security agencies in efforts to tackle banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
He alleged that some activities undertaken during his tenure, which he said were sensitive because of their national security implications, were now being distorted and used to create the impression that he maintained relationships with criminal elements.
“I will not ask Nigerians simply to take my word for it. That is precisely why I have submitted myself to the relevant security agencies.
“Let the professionals investigate. Let them examine the records. Let them interrogate me where necessary. Let those making allegations come forward. Let them present their evidence. At the end, let the facts speak for themselves,” he said.
The senator said he had previously pursued legal remedies against individuals he accused of spreading false allegations against him.
He disclosed that in September 2025, he petitioned the Nigeria Police Force over publications containing the allegations, resulting in criminal proceedings currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Buba further identified Hassan Saleh Hussaini as an individual his legal team believed was behind several of the allegations, claiming that Hussaini was operating from Niger Republic.
He said the matter had been reported for Interpol intervention, while legal counsel had also been engaged in Niger Republic to pursue appropriate legal remedies.
The senator said litigation alone was no longer sufficient because the allegations involved national security and should therefore be investigated by the appropriate institutions.
Buba, who has declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Bauchi State on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), alleged that the accusations formed part of a sustained campaign to damage his reputation and political career ahead of the election.
He urged politicians and their supporters to focus on issues rather than unsubstantiated criminal allegations.
“Politics must never become an excuse for destroying people’s reputations with allegations of terrorism and other grave crimes.
“Let us debate development. Let us debate education, healthcare, agriculture, security, jobs, infrastructure and the future of Bauchi State,” he said.
Buba described his decision to submit himself for investigation as being bigger than politics, saying it was about accountability and the principle that nobody should be above scrutiny.
“I am a senator today, but I remain a Nigerian citizen subject to the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
He disclosed that his lawyers had provided security agencies with relevant documents, including his September 2025 petition to the police, information on the pending criminal proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja, a September 7, 2026 petition seeking Interpol intervention and links to social media publications containing the allegations.
He said copies of the submission had also been forwarded to the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Intelligence, Chief of Defence Staff and the Minister of Defence.
Buba said he was hopeful that the security services would, at the conclusion of their investigation and subject to legitimate national security considerations, provide appropriate clarification to Nigerians.
He also said he would accept the outcome of any credible investigation based on facts and evidence, while urging that anyone found to have deliberately manufactured and circulated false allegations should be held accountable under the law.
The senator appealed to his supporters across Bauchi State and beyond to remain calm and refrain from insults, threats, violence or retaliation.
“To my supporters across Bauchi State and beyond, I appeal for calm. Do not insult anyone on my behalf. Do not threaten anyone. Do not engage in violence or retaliation. We must allow the law to work,” he said.
Buba assured Nigerians that he remained committed to peace, security, justice and public service, adding that his decision to submit himself for investigation was an expression of confidence in the truth.
“My conscience is clear. I have nothing to hide. I have voluntarily submitted myself for investigation because the truth should not be afraid of scrutiny,” he concluded.
