By Stephen Simon
Senator Shehu Buba Umar, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, has asked Nigeria’s security agencies to investigate allegations linking him to banditry, terrorism financing, kidnapping and other criminal activities.
The lawmaker made the call on Monday in Bauchi while addressing journalists at a press conference, where he announced that he had voluntarily made himself available to the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for questioning.
Buba said he took the step because of the persistent circulation of the allegations, arguing that claims of such magnitude should be resolved through a credible security investigation rather than political arguments or public speculation.
The senator explained that his previous assignments in the National Assembly brought him into contact with sensitive security and intelligence operations. He said he worked with the military, intelligence community and other security agencies on efforts to tackle banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and related threats.
According to him, some of those engagements were confidential due to their national security implications. He alleged that activities undertaken in the course of his official responsibilities had subsequently been misrepresented as evidence of links to criminal networks.
Buba said he had decided to subject himself to scrutiny in order to allow the relevant authorities establish the truth.
He said his legal team, led by former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, had formally facilitated his submission to the DSS, Police and DIA for a comprehensive investigation.
“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.
The senator also recalled that he had petitioned the Nigeria Police Force in September 2025 over publications in which the allegations were made. He said the matter later led to criminal proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
He further disclosed that his lawyers had initiated legal action against an individual they believed was behind some of the allegations, adding that the matter was reportedly referred for Interpol intervention.
Buba, however, said he now considered a comprehensive security investigation necessary, given the serious national security issues raised by the allegations.
He called on the DSS, Police, DIA and other relevant agencies to examine the claims thoroughly and establish whether there was any credible evidence linking him to the alleged crimes.
The senator also appealed to his supporters to avoid confrontation, threats, insults or any form of retaliation, urging them to allow the matter to be resolved through lawful means.
He challenged anyone who possessed evidence against him to present it to the appropriate authorities rather than relying on public accusations.
“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.
Buba reaffirmed his commitment to peace, justice and security, saying he remained focused on serving the people of Bauchi State and Nigeria.
He added that he was willing to accept the outcome of any investigation conducted transparently and based on facts and verifiable evidence.
