Senator Buba Denies Banditry Allegations Amid Controversy

Senator Shehu Umar Buba of Bauchi South has been accused of sponsoring banditry, particularly through an aide named Yahaya Ibrahim, as claimed in a September 2024 petition by Governor Bala Mohammed. The petition alleged that Buba sponsored a bandit kingpin to the 2024 Hajj and distributed motorcycles to bandits.

Buba denied these claims, stating he does not have an aide by that name and that his sponsorships are based on community recommendations. No investigations have contradicted his explanations.

Following the petition's lack of traction, similar allegations resurfaced via social media. Buba has sought investigations into a disinformation network, leading to the arrest of several suspects, including a lawyer and three influencers, while one suspect, Hassan, fled the country.

The Office of the National Security Adviser, under Malam Nuhu Ribadu, provided information that did not support the allegations against Buba.