Investigation Launched Into Allegations Of Bandit Sponsorship For Saudi Pilgrimage

Investigation Launched Into Allegations Of Bandit Sponsorship For Saudi PilgrimageSenator Shehu Buba of Bauchi South has categorically denied any involvement with bandits operating in Zamfara State, following reports that connected him to suspected bandit Abubakar Aliyu. This denial was conveyed through a statement by his Legislative Assistant, Hassan Guruji, on Friday in Abuja.

The allegations emerged from claims that Senator Buba sponsored Aliyu, a notorious suspected bandit and kidnapper, along with Zainab Aliyu, for a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia in July. Reports indicate that Aliyu has since been arrested and is currently held by the State Security Service (SSS).

In the statement, Senator Buba confirmed that both the suspected bandit and Mrs. Aliyu were registered for the pilgrimage. However, he clarified that their nominations were made by community elders, religious leaders, and local representatives from Bauchi State, emphasizing that his actions were based solely on their recommendations.

Buba noted that the suspected bandit was detained during a screening process for the pilgrimage and remains in the custody of the secret police, while Mrs. Aliyu successfully passed security checks and was allowed to undertake the pilgrimage.

Mr. Guruji stressed that Senator Buba, who chairs the Senate Committee on National Security, has no personal connections to Aliyu. The senator’s decision to register Aliyu for the pilgrimage, he asserted, was based entirely on nominations from respected figures in the community, with no ties to criminal activity.

“Senator Buba does not employ a Senior Legislative Aide named Yahaya Ibrahim. It is the responsibility of security services to conduct thorough vetting of potential Hajj pilgrims. Senator Buba sponsors many individuals for the pilgrimage each year, based on recommendations from elders, community leaders, and religious figures,” Guruji explained.

He further confirmed that Hajiya Zainab Aliyu was thoroughly screened and allowed to perform Hajj, while Abubakar Idris was arrested for further investigation without any interference from the senator’s office.

Mr. Guruji also stated that Senator Buba has been actively using his position in the National Assembly to combat insurgency, including banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping. “As chairman of a critical Senate committee, Senator Buba has championed initiatives aimed at counter-insurgency and anti-banditry, which are starting to show positive results,” the statement concluded.

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