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, who stated this at a press conference in Bauchi on Monday, said he had voluntarily submitted himself to the Department of State Services (DSS) for a comprehensive investigation, insisting that he had “Nothing to hide and nothing to fear.”
He said the decision followed what he described as the continued circulation of serious allegations against him, despite previous legal actions and reports made to relevant authorities.
According to him, what began as a politically motivated smear campaign in 2024 had resurfaced in different forms, prompting him to seek the intervention of security agencies.
“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 President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN, he had formally written to the DSS, Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and the Nigeria Police Force requesting investigations into the allegations.
He said the step was necessary because allegations involving terrorism, banditry and kidnapping against a serving senator should not be left to social media speculation.
“I am taking this extraordinary step because I do not believe allegations of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping against a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should 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 banditry, terrorism, kidnapping or any criminal organisation 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 challenged.
Buba said he had also asked the security agencies to invite those making the allegations and require them to substantiate their claims with credible evidence capable of withstanding investigation.
He added that he had made himself available to relevant 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.
“More importantly, I have undertaken that 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 that he previously served as chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, where he said he worked closely with the military, intelligence and other security agencies in tackling banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
