BY AHMED AKANBI
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) governorship candidate in Bauchi State, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, has denied allegations linking him to banditry, terrorism financing, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Buba, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District and chairs the Senate Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry, said he is ready to face prosecution if found culpable.
He made the declaration weekend in Bauchi, saying he voluntarily submitted himself to relevant security agencies for investigation.
According to him, the allegations have been repeatedly circulated against him to the extent that they have become a matter of national security concern.
He said his engagements with the military, intelligence and other security agencies were in his capacity as a senator involved in national security matters and were aimed at addressing banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
The governorship candidate alleged that those legitimate engagements were distorted to create the impression that he had relationships with criminal elements.
”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 said.
Buba said he had petitioned the Nigeria Police Force in September 2025 over publications containing the allegations, which has resulted in criminal proceedings currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
He said his legal team identified one Hassan Saleh Hussaini as being behind several of the allegations, alleging that Hussaini operates from Niger Republic and that the matter has been reported for Interpol intervention, with lawyers also engaged in Niger Republic to pursue legal remedies.
The governorship candidate attributed the allegations to politics ahead of the 2027 governorship election, describing it as a sustained campaign to damage his reputation and political career.Sen Buba denies banditry allegation, dares accusers to present evidence.