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Senator Shehu Buba, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, has denied renewed allegations linking him to banditry, describing the claims as politically motivated, while the Department of State Services (DSS) says findings from its investigation will be made public at the appropriate time.
The latest allegations were made by a resident identified as Hassan during an interview with a social media platform, where he accused the lawmaker of supporting bandits and alleged that persons linked to notorious bandit leader Dogo Gide were brought to Abuja for specialised training through one of the senator's aides.
Reacting in an interview with Albarka Radio in Bauchi, Buba dismissed the claims, insisting they were fabricated to tarnish his image ahead of future political contests.
The senator said he had already petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over the allegations, adding that four suspects had been arrested and would soon face prosecution.
According to him, Hassan, whom he identified as the principal suspect, fled to neighbouring Niger Republic, where he allegedly continued to broadcast defamatory content online.
He maintained that no amount of propaganda would derail his political future.
When contacted, the Bauchi State Police Command said it had not received any formal complaint or petition regarding the latest allegations.
Police spokesperson Nafiu Habib stated that the command could not comment on the matter because no official report had been filed before it.
An ally of the senator and Managing Director of Nixon Energy and Nixon Telecoms, Mukhtar Gwarzo, defended Buba, describing him as a man of integrity while calling for an impartial investigation.
Gwarzo said the allegations were serious because they involved national security and urged the DSS, the National Assembly and relevant authorities to establish the truth without bias.
He stressed that anyone found culpable should face the full weight of the law, but insisted the senator should not be condemned without credible evidence.
The renewed accusations follow earlier allegations in 2024 after Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed reportedly petitioned President Bola Tinubu, claiming that an aide to Senator Buba facilitated the Hajj registration of suspected Zamfara bandit Abubakar Idris and another individual.
The petition alleged that Idris was later arrested by the DSS during preparations for the pilgrimage, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his registration.
Responding to enquiries, a spokesperson for the DSS said the agency's investigation into the allegations against the senator would be published “at the appropriate time.”
Buba has consistently denied all allegations linking him to banditry. In 2025, he also petitioned the Force Criminal Investigation Department over alleged cyberstalking, defamation and a coordinated campaign to damage his reputation following reports connecting him to wanted terrorist leader Bello Turji.
Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has also called for an independent investigation, urging security agencies and the National Assembly to ensure the allegations are thoroughly examined and the public informed of the outcome.
