Dalung Demands DSS Probe Over Senator Buba’s Alleged Bandit Link

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to make public the outcome of its investigation into allegations linking Senator Shehu Buba Umar to suspected bandit Abubakar Idris.

Dalung urged the security agency to clarify whether the allegations were investigated and, if so, what its findings revealed. He said Nigerians deserved to know whether the matter was resolved and whether any action was taken against those involved.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Dalung made the call in a statement, stressing that the issue should not be dismissed as a mere political disagreement because of its potential implications for national security.

He maintained that Senator Buba should not be presumed guilty, noting that the senator had denied the allegations and had not been convicted by any court. Dalung argued, however, that if the allegations were unfounded, the appropriate authorities should publicly clear the senator, while any credible evidence of wrongdoing should be dealt with according to the law.

The controversy dates back to 2024, when Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, reportedly petitioned security authorities over allegations that Senator Buba facilitated the registration of Idris for the 2024 Hajj.

Senator Buba rejected the allegations, describing them as baseless and malicious. He explained that he had sponsored pilgrims based on recommendations from elders, community leaders and religious figures.

Reports at the time indicated that DSS operatives arrested Idris while he was preparing to travel to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage and took possession of his passport. The reports also alleged that security investigations were launched into the circumstances surrounding his registration.

Dalung said the matter deserved particular attention because Senator Buba was serving as Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence when the allegations emerged. He noted that the committee occupies a sensitive position within the National Assembly because of its responsibilities concerning national security and intelligence matters.

The former minister questioned the nature of the alleged relationship between Senator Buba and Idris, as well as the circumstances surrounding Idris’s registration for the Hajj. He also sought clarification on whether the DSS investigation was concluded, whether Senator Buba was cleared and whether anyone was prosecuted as a result of the probe.

Dalung stressed that resolving the matter through facts and evidence would be preferable to allowing the allegations to remain the subject of political exchanges.

The call comes as the controversy surrounding the allegations continues to attract public attention, with previous reports confirming that the DSS had investigated claims concerning Senator Buba and Idris.