The governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Shehu Buba Umar, has voluntarily submitted himself to security agencies for investigation over allegations linking him to banditry, terrorism financing, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Shehu Buba said he took the step to provide an opportunity for the Department of State Services (DSS), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and Nigeria Police Force to independently examine the allegations and establish the facts.
Speaking at a press conference in Bauchi on Monday, September 14, the senator said the accusations were not new, recalling that similar claims had surfaced against him in 2014.
According to him, the earlier allegations were investigated and dismissed, but he said related accusations had resurfaced over the years in different forms.
He said the latest claims had become too serious to be left to social media speculation, prompting him to formally invite security agencies to investigate the matter.
“I have nothing to hide, and I have nothing to fear from any legitimate investigation,” he said.
The senator disclosed that his legal team, led by former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN, had written to the DSS, DIA and police requesting a comprehensive investigation.
Buba challenged anyone with evidence connecting him to banditry, terrorism, kidnapping or the financing of criminal groups to present it to the appropriate authorities.
“Do not hide behind social media. Do not rely on edited videos, insinuations, propaganda or anonymous allegations,” he said.
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Shehu Buba said he had previously pursued legal action against what he described as false accusations, noting that some individuals allegedly involved in circulating the claims were facing proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
He also cited a September 2025 petition submitted to the Nigeria Police Force and another petition dated September 7, 2026, seeking Interpol’s intervention over one of the individuals his lawyers believe is behind some of the allegations.
The senator said copies of his submissions had been sent to the National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Intelligence, Chief of Defence Staff and Minister of Defence.
Shehu Buba, who previously chaired the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, said his interactions with security and intelligence agencies in that capacity may have been misrepresented as evidence of connections to criminal elements.
He said he was willing to face prosecution if investigators established a prima facie case against him based on credible evidence.
The PRP governorship candidate said the allegations were also being deployed to damage his political reputation ahead of the 2027 Bauchi governorship election.
He appealed to his supporters to remain calm and refrain from insulting, threatening or attacking anyone over the matter.
“If there is evidence against me, let it be produced. If there is none, those who have deliberately manufactured and circulated these allegations should equally be held accountable under the law,” he said.
The senator added: “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.”