Dalung Defends Senator Buba Against Banditry Allegations

On September 11, 2026, Solomon Dalung, the former Minister of Youth and Sports, addressed allegations against Senator Shehu Umar Buba of Bauchi South, stating that they require more maturity than what social media currently provides. Dalung warned that the qualities that made Buba valuable to security agencies are now being misinterpreted to cast suspicion on him.

The allegations, which have circulated since 2024, claim that high-profile bandit leaders visited Buba's residence and that he sponsored them. Dalung described Buba as a Fulani nationalist who has worked for the advancement of Fulani communities, particularly in education and peaceful coexistence, while emphasizing the difference between this identity and criminality.

He noted Buba's significant contributions to security efforts, including his appointment by former Chief of Defence Staff Lucky Irabor to investigate the March 2022 Abuja–Kaduna train attack and his involvement in hostage negotiations. Dalung criticized the notion that knowing a community equates to complicity in crimes committed by some members of that community.