Senator Shehu Buba Umar, Senator Representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, of Bauchi State, and Gubernatorial Candidate of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), on Monday, at a press conference in Bauchi, absolved himself of allegations of terrorism financing and banditry declaring that he is ready to face security agencies as he has nothing to hide and nothing to fear.
According to him, “I have called this press conference because the allegations repeatedly circulated against me-claims linking my name to banditry, terrorism financing, kidnapping and other violent criminal activities-have reached a point where silence is no longer sufficient.”
He said that,”What began as a politically motivated smear campaign against me in 2024 was forcefully debunked, and I took legal action against those behind it. When the falsehood later resurfaced in another form, I formally reported the matter to security agencies, and some of the suspects are currently being prosecuted in the Federal High Court. Yet despite these steps, the scandalous allegations have continued unabated, taking a disturbing and unfathomable path.”
Shehu Buba Umar said that the allegations are extremely grave, saying, “They touch not only on my name, reputation and political career, but also on the security of our country and the public’s confidence in the institutions responsible for protecting Nigerians.”
He explained, “For the avoidance of doubt, and despite my deliberate silence over the past months-silence guided by the sensitivity of my official responsibilities and the legal restrictions associated with matters already before the court, I categorically and unequivocally deny these allegations.”
“I have never sponsored, financed, armed, facilitated or supported banditry, terrorism, kidnapping or any criminal organisation or activity whatsoever. I have nothing to hide, and I have nothing to fear from any legitimate investigation”, he added.
The PRP Gubernatorial Candidate said, “It is for this reason that, through my legal team led by former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN, I have voluntarily submitted myself to the Department of State Services for a thorough and comprehensive investigation into every allegation made against me.”
He further explained, “My lawyers formally wrote to the DSS, DIA and Police requesting that the Services investigate these allegations in the interest of national security and the protection of my reputation and integrity as a Nigerian citizen.”
He added, “I am taking this extraordinary step because I do not believe allegations of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping against a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should be allowed to remain matters of social-media speculation. These are serious crimes. They should be investigated seriously.”
“I therefore publicly invite anyone-politician, activist, social media influencer, journalist or any other Nigerian-who possesses credible evidence that I have sponsored, financed, armed, facilitated or supported bandits, terrorists, kidnappers or any criminal organisation to take that evidence to the relevant security agencies,” he declared.
He stressed, “Do not hide behind social media. Do not rely on edited videos, insinuations, propaganda or anonymous allegations. Take whatever evidence you have to the appropriate security agencies and allow the law to take its course.”
According to him, “Indeed, this is precisely what I have asked the security agencies to do: invite those making these allegations and require them to substantiate their claims with credible facts and evidence that can withstand rigorous investigative scrutiny.”
Shehu Buba Umar added, “I have also made myself available to relevant international bodies, including Amnesty International, that have expressed or may have concerns about these developments. I am equally prepared to cooperate fully with all relevant security agencies, including the DSS, the Nigeria Police Force, the Defence Intelligence Agency, the military, and any other competent institution that may require my assistance in establishing the truth.”
He added, “I seek no special treatment. My position is simple: let every allegation be subjected to impartial scrutiny, let every piece of evidence be examined, and let the truth prevail.”
He added, “More importantly, I have undertaken that if a prima facie case is established against me on the basis of credible and verifiable evidence, I am prepared to face prosecution. If a competent court eventually finds me guilty, I will accept the consequences prescribed by law. That is how strongly I believe in my innocence.”
The Senator added, “As many Nigerians know, I previously served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence. In that capacity, I worked closely with our military, intelligence and security agencies in efforts to address banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime confronting our country.”
According to him, “Some of those engagements were necessarily sensitive because of the nature of national security work. Unfortunately, activities undertaken in the course of legitimate engagements on security matters are now, in my view, being distorted and weaponised to create the impression that I have relationships with criminal elements.”
He stressed, “I will not ask Nigerians simply to take my word for it. That is precisely why I have submitted myself to the relevant security agencies. Let the professionals investigate. Let them examine the records. Let them interrogate me where necessary. Let those making allegations come forward. Let them present their evidence. At the end, let the facts speak for themselves.”
He further said, “Before taking this step, I had already pursued lawful remedies against individuals I believe are responsible for spreading false allegations against me.”
According to him, “In September 2025, I petitioned the Nigeria Police Force over the publications. That petition resulted in criminal proceedings that are currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja.”
He also explained. “My legal team has also stated that one Hassan Saleh Hussaini, whom we believe to be behind several of the allegations, is reportedly operating from Niger Republic. The matter has been reported for Interpol intervention, while counsel has also been engaged in Niger Republic to pursue appropriate legal remedies.”
“I recognise, however, that defending my reputation through litigation alone is no longer enough. The allegations being circulated involve national security. Therefore, national security institutions must be given the opportunity to investigate and establish the truth,” he added.
He added, “I am also conscious that I have expressed my intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Bauchi State on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). My lawyers have drawn attention to what we consider a sustained campaign to damage my reputation and political career in the build-up to that election.”
The Senator stressed,”Politics must never become an exouse for destroying people’s reputations with allegations of terrorism and other grave crimes. Let us debate development. Let us debate education, healthcare, agriculture, security, jobs, infrastructure and the future of Bauchi State. Let us disagree politically. Let us scrutinise one another’s records and programmes.”
He said, “But where allegations of criminality are made, they must be supported by evidence and submitted to the appropriate authorities.”
According to him, “My decision to submit myself for investigation is therefore bigger than politics. It is about accountability and the principle that nobody should be above scrutiny. I am a Senator today, but I remain a Nigerian citizen subject to the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He said, “I have asked for no immunity from investigation. I seek no special protection. I ask only that the allegations be investigated professionally, comprehensively and fairly.
According to him,”My lawyers have provided the security agencies with relevant documents, including my September 2025 petition to the Nigeria Police Force, information on the pending criminal proceedings before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the September 7, 2026 petition seeking Interpol intervention, and links to some social media publications containing the allegations.”
He disclosed that, “Copies of our submission have also been forwarded to the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Honourable Minister of Defence.”
He expressed confidence saying, “I am hopeful that when the investigation is concluded, and subject to legitimate national security considerations, the Services will make appropriate clarification available to Nigerians. I will accept the outcome of a credible investigation based on facts and evidence.*
He stressed, “If there is evidence against me, let it be produced. If there is none, those who have deliberately manufactured and circulated these allegations should equally be held accountable under the law.*
Speaking further, he said, “To my supporters across Bauchi State and beyond, I appeal for calm. Do not insult anyone on my behalf. Do not threaten anyone. Do not engage in violence or retaliation. We must allow the law to work.”
“To the security agencies, I pledge my full cooperation. To my accusers, I say clearly: this is your opportunity. Take your evidence to the security services. And to the people of Bauchi State and Nigerians generally, I assure you that I remain committed to peace, security, justice and the service of our people,” he assured.
He concluded, “My conscience is clear. I have nothing to hide. I have voluntarily submitted myself for investigation because the truth should not be afraid of scrutiny.”
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