Bauchi Senator Faces Fresh Banditry Allegations, DSS reacts

Senator Shehu Buba, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District, is facing fresh allegations of links to banditry, with the claims drawing renewed attention from security agencies and political figures in Bauchi State.

The latest accusation was made by a resident identified as Hassan during an interview with social media influencer D English Alhaji Media. Hassan alleged that the senator was among politicians supporting bandits operating in the area and further claimed that associates of wanted bandit leader Dogo Gide were brought to Abuja for specialised training through an aide linked to Buba.

Buba has rejected the allegations, describing the claims as part of an attempt by political opponents to damage his reputation. In an interview with Albarka Radio in Bauchi on Thursday, the senator said he had already petitioned the Inspector General of Police over the matter.

He also claimed that four people had been arrested in connection with the allegations and were expected to face charges. Buba alleged that Hassan, whom he identified as the main person behind the accusations, had left Nigeria for Niger Republic but continued making online broadcasts about him.

However, the report said the alleged police action could not be independently confirmed. The Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, reportedly did not respond to calls or messages seeking clarification.

The Bauchi State Police Command also said it had no position on the allegations because it had not received a formal petition from any of the parties involved. The command’s position means that, at the time of the report, there was no official confirmation from the state police of an investigation based on the latest claims.

Buba has received support from an associate, Mukhtar Gwarzo, the Managing Director of Nixon Energy and Nixon Telecoms. Gwarzo said he had known the senator for more than 20 years and urged the relevant authorities to properly investigate the accusations rather than allowing them to remain unresolved.

Gwarzo said the allegations were serious because they involved issues of national security. He maintained that Buba’s long-standing character and previous public responsibilities gave him confidence in the senator, while also calling for the claims to be investigated fully.

The businessman urged security agencies, the National Assembly and Hajj authorities to provide clear information on any findings relating to the allegations. He also said that if evidence established wrongdoing, anyone involved should face the law.

The latest claims are not the first allegations connecting Buba with suspected banditry. In September 2024, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed reportedly wrote to President Bola Tinubu concerning claims that Buba, through an aide identified as Yahaya Ibrahim, was involved in the registration and funding of two people, Abubakar Idris and Zainab Gado, for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.

According to the reported petition, security officials later became interested in the two pilgrims, with Idris’ passport handed over to the Department of State Services. Idris was subsequently detained over alleged links to banditry and kidnapping activities in Zamfara State.

The governor’s account stated that records at the Bauchi State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board showed the two individuals were registered through Ibrahim, who was described as a senior legislative aide to Buba.

The DSS has not publicly released a final finding on the allegations against the senator. A spokesperson for the agency previously indicated that the outcome of its investigation would be made public when appropriate.

The accusations have also led to calls for an independent review. Former Minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Dalung urged the DSS to clarify the status of its investigation and called on the National Assembly to consider examining the matter, particularly because of Buba’s previous role as chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence.

Dalung also called for an explanation from the authorities responsible for Hajj operations concerning the registration and sponsorship of Idris. He said the senator should be cleared publicly if the allegations are found to be baseless or held accountable if investigators establish evidence of wrongdoing.

Another controversy surfaced in 2025 when reports linked Buba to an alleged peace arrangement involving wanted terrorist leader Bello Turji. The report triggered further questions about the senator’s position on efforts to tackle terrorism.

Buba subsequently responded through his lawyers, who petitioned the Force Criminal Investigation Department over what they described as a campaign of defamation, cyberstalking and harassment against the senator. The petition named Hassan and several other individuals and alleged that some politicians were behind the accusations because of Buba’s growing political influence in Bauchi South.

The legal complaint also referred to other allegations circulated online, including claims concerning payments to a Kaduna-based cleric and the distribution of motorcycles to suspected bandits. Buba’s legal team rejected the accusations and asked the police to investigate those responsible for spreading them.

With fresh allegations now emerging, the controversy surrounding the Bauchi senator remains unresolved. The claims have not been proven against Buba, while the senator continues to deny any involvement in banditry and maintains that some of the accusations are politically motivated.