Senator Buba Speaks Out After Being Accused Of Supporting Bandits

Senator representing Bauchi South, Shehu Buba, has denied allegations linking him to banditry activities in Northern Nigeria, describing the claims as an attempt by his political opponents to damage his reputation and political career.

Buba, who is also the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) governorship candidate in Bauchi State for the 2027 election, reacted to allegations made by a man identified as Hassan, who reportedly accused the senator and some other politicians of supporting banditry in the region.

According to reports, Hassan made the allegations during an interview with social media influencer D English Alhaji Media, claiming that individuals connected to notorious bandit kingpin Dogo Gide were allegedly brought to Abuja for specialised training with the assistance of an aide linked to Senator Buba.

However, speaking during an interview with Albarka Radio in Bauchi, Buba strongly rejected the allegations and instead provided an account of his previous relationship with Hassan.

The senator explained that Hassan was introduced to him as an orphan in need of assistance to continue his education. He said he subsequently connected the young man with a cleric, Musa Asadussunnah, who helped him gain admission into both Islamic and conventional schools.

Buba added that he also provided Hassan with a bicycle to ease his movement to school.

According to the lawmaker, Hassan later informed them that he intended to abandon his education and venture into car dealership, a decision Buba said he opposed because he wanted the young man to complete his studies.

He alleged that despite his advice, Hassan eventually left school.

Buba further claimed that Hassan later used his access to his residence to secretly record photographs and videos of some people who visited the premises.

The senator alleged that the materials were subsequently handed over to political opponents and used as part of an effort to portray him negatively.

Buba also disclosed that he petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over the matter, leading to an investigation and the arrest of four suspects.

He said two of the suspects were apprehended in Kano, while another was arrested in Bauchi and the fourth in Abuja. According to the senator, court proceedings have already commenced in connection with the case.

Buba further alleged that Hassan had travelled to Niger Republic, where he continued his social media broadcasts, claiming that his political opponents were financing the activities.

The senator maintained that the allegations would not prevent him from pursuing his political ambitions, insisting that his fate was ultimately in the hands of God.

Buba previously served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, a position that involved engagements with security officials and other stakeholders working to address insecurity in the country.

He has also been associated with efforts involving the non-kinetic approach to tackling banditry, which seeks to complement military operations with dialogue, community engagement and other measures aimed at addressing the underlying causes of insecurity.

As part of such efforts, Buba and members of his team, including Musa Asadussunnah, reportedly held discussions with some bandit leaders in an attempt to explore avenues for peace.

One of the reported engagements involved wanted bandit kingpin Bello Turji.

Buba has consistently maintained that such engagements were aimed at finding solutions to insecurity and restoring peace in affected communities, rather than supporting or encouraging criminal activities.

The senator’s latest comments come amid renewed controversy over allegations concerning political figures and their alleged links to banditry, with Buba insisting that the accusations against him are politically motivated and intended to undermine his public image.