A coalition of prominent Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has issued a stern demand to Nigeria’s security agencies, calling for an immediate, transparent investigation and prosecution—if found guilty—of Senator Shehu Buba Umar following explosive allegations linking him to banditry and terrorism financing.
The controversy deepened after online interviews and viral media reports accused the Bauchi South lawmaker of harboring criminal kingpins and aiding individuals connected to notorious bandit leaders. Addressing a joint press conference, the rights groups emphasized that given the devastating impact of kidnapping and terrorism across northern Nigeria, no public official—regardless of political standing—should enjoy immunity from scrutiny when national security is at stake.
In response to the mounting public outrage, Senator Buba flatly denied all charges, labeling the claims a politically motivated smear campaign tied to his 2027 Bauchi governorship ambitions under the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). Through his legal team led by former NBA President Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), the lawmaker voluntarily submitted petitions to the Department of State Services (DSS), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Nigeria Police Force, challenging investigators to conduct a full inquiry and produce actual evidence rather than social media speculation.
Despite the senator’s voluntary submission for questioning, civil society leaders insist that the investigation must remain completely independent, unbiased, and free from political interference. The CSOs warned that failing to thoroughly investigate such severe claims undermines public trust in law enforcement and weakens the nation’s fight against armed criminality.
