Senator Shehu Buba has rejected allegations linking him to banditry, saying the claims are an attempt to damage his reputation ahead of 2027.
Senator Shehu Buba, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, has dismissed allegations accusing him of supporting or facilitating banditry in northern Nigeria, describing the claims as an attempt to damage his reputation through what he termed propaganda.
The senator, who is contesting the 2027 Bauchi State governorship election under the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), responded to the allegations during an interview with Albarka Radio in Bauchi.
The controversy arose after a man identified as Hassan made a series of allegations during an interview with social media influencer D English Alhaji Media.
According to a report published by SaharaReporters, Hassan accused Senator Buba and some other politicians, whose identities were not disclosed, of allegedly providing support to criminal networks operating in northern Nigeria.
Among the claims attributed to Hassan was an allegation that some individuals allegedly associated with wanted bandit leader Dogo Gide were brought to Abuja for specialised training.
Hassan reportedly alleged that the movement or arrangement was facilitated through an aide linked to Senator Buba at the National Assembly.
The allegations, however, were rejected by Buba, who denied having any involvement in banditry or activities connected to criminal groups.
In his response, the senator did not only challenge the accusations but also provided an account of his previous dealings with Hassan, whom he said he knew personally.
Buba explained that he first encountered Hassan after the young man was introduced to him as an orphan who required assistance to continue his education.
According to the lawmaker, he decided to intervene after learning about Hassan’s circumstances and attempted to provide him with an opportunity to pursue his studies.
Buba said he subsequently contacted an Islamic scholar identified as Musa Asadussunnah, who he said assisted in securing admission for Hassan into both Islamic and conventional educational institutions.
The senator further disclosed that he provided Hassan with a bicycle to make it easier for him to commute to school.
He said the gesture was part of his effort to support the young man and ensure that his difficult circumstances did not prevent him from obtaining an education.
According to Buba, he believed that completing his education would provide Hassan with better opportunities and help him establish a stable future.
However, the senator said the situation changed when Hassan later informed him that he wanted to discontinue his studies and venture into the car dealership business.
Buba said he opposed the decision and advised Hassan to remain in school until he completed his education.
The lawmaker explained that his position was particularly influenced by Hassan’s status as an orphan and the need to ensure that he acquired an education that could benefit him in the long term.
“After a short time, he told us that he was leaving school for the car dealership business, which I rejected, insisting that he must finish school before anything else,” Buba said.
He added that he attempted to persuade Hassan to reconsider the decision, stressing that education would provide a stronger foundation for his future.
“As he is an orphan, I advised him to finish school because it would help him in the future, but he insisted. Three weeks later, I learned that he had left,” the senator said.
Buba’s account appears to suggest that his previous interaction with Hassan was centred largely on providing educational assistance and support.
The senator subsequently rejected any suggestion that his relationship with Hassan or his activities had anything to do with supporting banditry.
He also accused his critic of attempting to use allegations to create a negative public perception of him.
The accusations have emerged at a politically sensitive period, with politicians and political parties already making preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Buba’s emergence as a governorship candidate has placed him among the politicians seeking to influence the political direction of Bauchi State ahead of the next election cycle.
The senator’s response therefore comes as political activities continue to intensify, with competing interests expected to generate more public debates and accusations as the 2027 elections approach.
While the allegations made by Hassan have generated attention, the claims remain allegations.
The report did not establish independent evidence proving that Senator Buba supported bandit groups or facilitated the alleged training of individuals linked to Dogo Gide.
Buba has consequently maintained that the allegations are false and designed to portray him negatively before the public.
The senator’s denial also underscores the importance of distinguishing between allegations made during media interviews and independently established facts, particularly when such claims involve serious criminal activities.
For now, Buba has maintained his position that he has no connection with banditry and that his involvement with Hassan in the past was based on an attempt to help a young person he understood to be an orphan access education.
As political campaigns gradually gather momentum ahead of 2027, the controversy is likely to remain part of the wider public discussion surrounding Buba’s political ambitions and his record as a senator representing Bauchi South.
Neither the allegations nor the senator’s denial, however, should be treated as a final determination of the claims without further independent evidence.
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