‘I Have Nothing to Hide’ – Senator Buba Offers Himself for Probe Over Banditry Claims

Senator Shehu Buba Umar, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, has declared his readiness to face prosecution if an investigation establishes that he committed any offence linked to banditry, terrorism financing, kidnapping or other violent crimes.

Buba made the declaration in Bauchi while responding to allegations that have recently circulated about his alleged relationship with criminal elements.

The senator, who denied the allegations, said he had voluntarily submitted himself to relevant security agencies and was prepared to cooperate fully with any credible investigation.

He maintained that he had “nothing to hide” and “nothing to fear”, insisting that the appropriate authorities should be allowed to determine the facts surrounding the allegations. 

The development comes amid renewed attention to claims against Buba, some of which have circulated online through videos and interviews.

The senator said his previous dealings with military, intelligence and other security institutions should not be interpreted as evidence of criminal involvement.

According to him, those engagements were connected to his responsibilities in the National Assembly, particularly his previous work on national security matters.

Buba said tackling banditry, terrorism and kidnapping had required interaction with security agencies and communities affected by insecurity.

He urged anyone who possesses evidence linking him to criminal activity to submit such evidence to the appropriate authorities.

The senator also appealed to Nigerians to allow investigators to examine the allegations rather than relying on social media claims to establish guilt.

Buba said he was ready to answer questions from the relevant agencies and accept whatever lawful consequences might follow if investigators establish wrongdoing.

The controversy has also gained political significance because Buba is the Peoples Redemption Party candidate for governor of Bauchi State in the 2027 election.

The senator has previously rejected allegations against him and taken legal steps over some of the claims.

In a statement reported earlier this month, he said he had filed a criminal complaint in Niger Republic over allegations made against him online, while also referring to a separate case before the Federal High Court in Abuja involving suspects accused of offences including defamation and cyberstalking.