‎BY AHMED AKANBI

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‎The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has dismissed allegations linking Senator Shehu Buba Umar to terrorism financing, calling the claims false, malicious and a form of political blackmail following his defection to the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

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‎In a statement issued weekend, MURIC Executive Director, Prof Ishaq Akintola, urged security agencies to investigate Hassan Hussein, the individual behind a viral video accusing the Bauchi South Senator of terrorism l

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‎Akintola said the allegation was designed to ridicule the lawmaker and damage his reputation ahead of the 2027 elections.

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‎“This allegation is false, malicious and vainglorious. It is calculated to bring Senator Shehu Buba to ridicule,” he stated.

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‎He described Shehu Buba as a patriotic politician with no reason to act against Nigeria, and warned against trivializing serious accusations like terrorism.

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‎The MURIC director connected the controversy to the senator’s recent move to the PRP, where he emerged as the party’s gubernatorial candidate for Bauchi State in 2027.

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‎“We warn against the growing trend of political defectors and opposition politicians facing post-defection criminal charges,” Akintola said.

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‎He expressed concern that politicians who leave ruling parties or join opposition platforms are increasingly targeted with criminal allegations.

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‎MURIC called on political actors and authorities to reject what it described as political witch-hunts and the use of terrorism claims as instruments of blackmail.

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‎The group maintained the allegations against Senator Shehu Buba were unfounded, and urged that any serious claims be subjected to due process and proper investigation.