Bauchi Senator Faces Fresh Banditry Allegations as DSS Responds

Senator Shehu Buba, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District, is facing fresh allegations of links to banditry, with the Department of State Services saying investigations into previous allegations against the lawmaker will be made public at the appropriate time. Buba, a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, has consistently denied allegations linking him to suspected bandits. The latest accusation was made by a Bauchi resident identified simply as Hassan during an interview with social media influencer D English Alhaji Media. Hassan alleged that Buba was among politicians supporting bandit activities in the area. He also claimed that individuals linked to wanted bandit kingpin Dogo Gide were brought to Abuja for specialised training allegedly facilitated by one of the senator’s aides. Buba, however, rejected the allegations, accusing Hassan of being sponsored by political opponents to damage his reputation. Speaking during an interview with Albarka Radio in Bauchi, the senator said he had already petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over the matter. He claimed that four suspects had been arrested and would soon be charged, adding that Hassan, whom he described as the principal suspect, had fled to neighbouring Niger Republic. However, PUNCH reported that it could not independently confirm the senator’s claim about the arrests. The Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, reportedly did not respond to calls or messages seeking clarification. The Bauchi State Police Command also said it had not received any formal petition concerning the latest allegation. The controversy has also revived earlier allegations against Buba. In September 2024, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed reportedly petitioned President Bola Tinubu over claims that a legislative aide linked to the senator had registered and funded two suspected individuals for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage. One of the individuals, Abubakar Idris, was subsequently arrested by the DSS and investigated over alleged links to banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara State. The governor had alleged that Idris and another individual were registered through Buba’s aide, Yahaya Ibrahim, describing the development as a serious security concern. The DSS later confirmed that it had investigated the allegations involving the senator but did not disclose its findings. When contacted by PUNCH over the latest development, a DSS spokesperson said the outcome of the investigation would be published “at the appropriate time.” The senator has also previously faced allegations concerning an alleged peace arrangement involving wanted bandit kingpin Bello Turji. Buba denied wrongdoing and petitioned the police, alleging that individuals were engaged in a coordinated campaign to damage his reputation. Meanwhile, some stakeholders have called for an independent investigation into all the allegations. Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, urged the DSS to clarify the status of its investigation and called on the National Assembly to consider an independent probe. He argued that allegations involving a serving senator and former security committee chairman were too serious to be dismissed without a thorough investigation. For now, the allegations against Buba remain unproven, while the senator continues to deny any involvement with banditry. Authorities are expected to provide further clarification as investigations continue.