Shehu Buba Umar, the Bauchi South senator, turned himself in to security agencies on Monday, saying the move was meant to clear his name after a wave of claims linked him to banditry, terrorism financing and kidnapping. He explained that presenting himself to authorities was intended to demonstrate transparency and to allow a thorough investigation of the accusations.
Senator steps forward amid allegations
Addressing journalists, political leaders and constituents in Bauchi State, the lawmaker said he had presented himself to the State Security Service (SSS), the Nigeria Police Force and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for a thorough probe. He emphasized that cooperation with those bodies would enable any evidence to be examined without delay. He denied ever sponsoring, financing, arming or facilitating any criminal group and described the claims as politically motivated, noting that they have intensified since he announced his intention to run for governor in 2027 under the Peoples Redemption Party.
Legal actions and demands for evidence
According to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Sabo Mohammed, the senator’s legal team, led by former NBA president Chief Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, has filed a defamation suit in the Federal High Court in Abuja. The filing indicated that the suit seeks both damages and a court order to stop further dissemination of false material. He also said a petition was sent to INTERPOL concerning an accuser operating from the Niger Republic, and urged anyone with proof of wrongdoing to submit it to the SSS, police, DIA or the courts rather than circulate edited videos on social media.
Past context and political backdrop
The senator traced the smear campaign back to 2014, claiming it resurfaced each time he took a prominent security role, most recently as chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence. He noted that similar accusations have surfaced against other regional politicians in Nigeria, often coinciding with election cycles, suggesting a pattern where security narratives become tools in political contests.
Current status of investigations
The SSS reportedly announced on September 5 that its inquiry would be released to the public when appropriate; no formal finding of wrongdoing has been made public to date. In his remarks, he appealed for calm, asking supporters to avoid violence, retaliation or online harassment, and expressed confidence that an impartial investigation would establish the facts.
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The legal team has prepared affidavits, witness statements and a chronology of events to support the case.
The Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, which he chairs, oversees legislation related to internal security, counter-terrorism and intelligence coordination.
The upcoming 2027 gubernatorial race in Bauchi State is expected to draw significant attention, and his candidacy under the Peoples Redemption Party has been highlighted in recent political analyses.
The case remains unresolved.
