Key Takeaways
- Senator Shehu Buba has rejected claims that he supports banditry in northern Nigeria.
- He says the accuser, a man named Hassan, was an orphan he once helped with schooling and shelter.
- The senator has petitioned police, and four suspects have been arrested, though the primary accuser is said to have fled to Niger.
- Buba argues that political rivals are behind the online campaign to damage his reputation.
Senator Shehu Buba, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District, has dismissed allegations that he abets banditry in northern Nigeria, describing the claims as politically motivated propaganda designed to derail his political future.
The controversy began when a man identified only as Hassan appeared in an interview with social media influencer D English Alhaji Media. Hassan accused Buba, the Peoples Redemption Party gubernatorial candidate for Bauchi State in the 2027 election, of being among politicians aiding criminal elements. Hassan also alleged that individuals linked to notorious bandit kingpin Dogo Gide were brought to Abuja for special training, supposedly facilitated by an aide to Buba at the National Assembly.
In a counter-response shared by Albarka Radio in Bauchi, Buba offered a detailed account of his relationship with Hassan. He explained that Hassan came to him as an orphan seeking help to further his education. Buba said he linked Hassan to a respected cleric, Musa Asadussunnah, who secured admission for him at both Islamic and conventional schools. He added that he gave Hassan a bicycle to ease travel to classes.
Buba claimed Hassan soon lost interest in academics. He stated: 'After a short time, he told us that he was leaving school for a car dealership business, which I rejected, insisting that he must finish school before anything else.' The senator said he advised the young man to complete his studies because the qualification would serve him in the future, but Hassan insisted on leaving. Three weeks later, Buba learned that the student had gone.
The senator further accused Hassan of exploiting free access to his home to manufacture propaganda. He said his house has always been open to visitors, giving Hassan opportunities to secretly record photos and videos of guests. Those materials, he alleged, were handed over to political rivals seeking to tarnish his reputation.
On the legal front, Buba said he has submitted a formal petition to the Inspector-General of Police. The investigation has resulted in the arrest of four suspects: two in Kano, one in Bauchi, and one in Abuja. Court proceedings have already commenced. However, the main suspect, Hassan, is reported to have fled to the Niger Republic, where he continues to stream live broadcasts allegedly financed by political opponents.
'Those sponsoring him cannot change destiny; if God says I will be, nobody can stop me by using social media propaganda against me,' Buba said.
Background of a Divisive Strategy
Buba previously chaired the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, where he worked with security personnel and prominent clerics to advance Nigeria's non-kinetic strategy against banditry. His team, which included Asadussunnah, reportedly met with several bandit leaders, including wanted kingpin Bello Turji, to negotiate a controversial peace arrangement.
Nigeria's non-kinetic approach focuses on soft-power measures designed to address the root causes of armed violence without depending solely on lethal force. Kinetic operations use airstrikes, raids, and ground deployments, while non-kinetic methods target the social, economic, psychological, and political drivers of insecurity, according to Premium Times.
The fresh allegations now place Buba at the centre of continued debate over negotiation efforts with criminals. While non-kinetic engagement has been praised as necessary for reducing violence, critics claim it risks shielding bandits from full consequences.
Why This Matters
This dispute highlights how deeply personal and political accusations can shape public perception of leaders involved in sensitive security programmes. The allegations will likely remain in the spotlight as Buba pursues his 2027 gubernatorial ambition.