Senator Buba Submits Self to DSS, Police, DIA for Probe into Banditry, Terrorism Financing Allegations
Senator Shehu Buba Umar has voluntarily submitted himself to the Department of State Services (DSS), Police and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for investigation over allegations linking him to banditry, terrorism financing, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Umar, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District, said he took the step to ensure that the allegations, which he described as politically motivated and defamatory, are subjected to thorough investigation rather than being left to social media speculation.
The senator disclosed this on Monday, September 14, 2026, at a press conference where he categorically denied sponsoring, financing, arming, facilitating or supporting bandits, terrorists, kidnappers or any criminal organisation.
He said his legal team, led by former Nigerian Bar Association President and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, had formally written to the DSS, DIA and Police requesting comprehensive investigations into the allegations.
Umar said he had deliberately remained silent over the past month because of the sensitivity of his official responsibilities and legal restrictions surrounding matters already before the courts.
According to him, the allegations had reached a point where continued silence was no longer appropriate, given their implications for his reputation, political career, national security and public confidence in security institutions.
“I categorically and unequivocally deny these allegations. I have never sponsored, financed, armed, facilitated, or supported banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, or any criminal organisation or activities whatsoever,” he said.
The senator challenged anyone with credible evidence linking him to criminal activities to submit such evidence to the appropriate security agencies rather than circulate allegations on social media.
He specifically urged politicians, activists, social media influencers, journalists and other Nigerians who claim to possess evidence against him to make it available to investigators.
“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,” Umar said.
He also urged the security agencies to invite those making the allegations and compel them to substantiate their claims with credible evidence capable of withstanding investigative scrutiny.
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Umar said he was prepared to cooperate with the DSS, Police, DIA, military and other competent institutions, adding that he had also made himself available to relevant international organisations, including Amnesty International, over concerns that may have arisen from the allegations.
He stressed that he was not seeking preferential treatment from any institution, but wanted all allegations against him subjected to impartial investigation.
“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 pledged to face prosecution if investigators established a prima facie case against him on the basis of credible and verifiable evidence.
He said he would accept the consequences of the law if a competent court eventually found him guilty, describing his willingness to undergo investigation as evidence of his confidence in his innocence.
Umar also linked the allegations to his previous responsibilities as Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, where he said he maintained regular engagements with military, intelligence and other security agencies over banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other security threats.
He expressed concern that some of those legitimate and necessarily sensitive engagements could have been distorted and portrayed as evidence of relationships with criminal elements.
“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, let them examine the records, let them interrogate me where necessary, let those making allegations come forward, and let them present their evidence,” he said.
The senator further disclosed that he had previously pursued legal remedies against individuals he accused of spreading false allegations against him.
He said he petitioned the Nigerian Police Force in September 2025 over one of the publications, adding that the complaint had resulted in criminal proceedings currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Umar also alleged that one Hassan Sani Hussain, whom his legal team identified as being behind several of the allegations, was operating from Niger Republic.
He said the matter had been reported for INTERPOL intervention, while his lawyers had engaged counsel in Niger Republic to pursue appropriate legal remedies.
The senator maintained that the allegations were too serious to be settled through political exchanges or social media campaigns, insisting that competent security and judicial institutions should determine the facts.
He called on Nigerians to allow the investigative and judicial processes to run their course, saying the outcome should be based on verifiable evidence rather than political narratives or public speculation.
By PRNigeria
