Senator Shehu Buba Umar, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, has voluntarily submitted himself to security agencies for investigation over allegations linking him to banditry, terrorism financing, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Buba disclosed this on Tuesday at a press conference in Bauchi, where he said he was ready to cooperate fully with investigators to establish the facts surrounding the allegations.
The senator said his decision followed the repeated circulation of the claims, which he described as serious allegations that should be subjected to professional investigation rather than political debate.
According to Buba, his previous responsibilities in the National Assembly exposed him to sensitive national security and intelligence matters, during which he worked with the military, intelligence agencies and other security institutions to combat banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
He said some of those engagements were confidential because of their national security implications, but alleged that legitimate security-related activities had been distorted to suggest that he was associated with criminal elements.
“I have nothing to hide nor fear. It is for this reason that through his legal team led by former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, I have voluntarily submitted myself to the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations levelled against me.
“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,” he said.
Buba recalled that he petitioned the Nigeria Police Force in September 2025 over publications containing the allegations, which subsequently resulted in criminal proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
He added that his legal team had also commenced proceedings against an individual whom it believed was responsible for some of the allegations, with the matter reportedly referred for Interpol intervention.
However, the senator said pursuing the matter through the courts alone was no longer sufficient because the allegations concerned national security.
He therefore called on the DSS, Police, DIA and other relevant institutions to thoroughly investigate the claims and determine whether there was any evidence supporting them.
Buba also appealed to his supporters to remain calm and refrain from insults, threats, violence or retaliation, stressing that the allegations should be addressed through lawful channels.
He challenged anyone with evidence against him to submit it to the appropriate authorities for investigation.
“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,” Buba said.
The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to peace, security, justice and service to the people of Bauchi State and Nigeria.
Buba said he was prepared to accept the outcome of any credible investigation conducted on the basis of facts and evidence.
