Senator Shehu Buba, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, has vehemently denied any connection to bandits, following allegations that he is linked to Abubakar Idris, a suspected bandit, and Zainab Aliyu Gado, both of whom were registered for the 2024 pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
In a press statement signed by his Legislative Assistant, Hassan Gajin Duguri, and made available to newsmen in Abuja, Senator Buba dismissed the claims as baseless. He clarified that he does not have any legislative aide named Yahaya Ibrahim, the individual allegedly involved in facilitating the registration of the suspected bandit for the pilgrimage.
“I do not have a Senior Legislative Aide by the name Yahaya Ibrahim. The security services are responsible for conducting due diligence on potential Hajj pilgrims. I sponsor numerous individuals for the pilgrimage each year based on recommendations from elders, community leaders, and religious figures,” the senator said.
The lawmaker further explained that while Zainab Aliyu Gado had been cleared by the authorities to participate in Hajj, Abubakar Idris was arrested for further investigation. He emphasized that his office had no involvement in the matter.
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“As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, I have been at the forefront of counter-insurgency and anti-banditry efforts, which are showing positive results,” Senator Buba added.
In the statement, the senator also accused Bauchi State Governor, Bala Muhammad, of orchestrating a smear campaign against him. He alleged that the governor has been attempting to tarnish his reputation due to his defense of President Bola Tinubu against criticism from the governor.
“Governor Muhammad not only orchestrated the withdrawal of my chieftaincy title but also used political proxies to undermine my standing within Bauchi State,” Senator Buba stated. He further accused the governor of resorting to desperation and declared that he would not be intimidated by such tactics.
Despite the allegations, Senator Buba reaffirmed his commitment to serving his constituents and ensuring national security. He called the accusations a political witch hunt but stressed that they would not derail his efforts in the Senate.
“Regardless of the governor’s sinister intentions, he cannot stop the winds of change that are sweeping through Bauchi,” Senator Buba concluded.
The senator’s denial comes amid increasing scrutiny over the role of lawmakers in addressing the security challenges posed by banditry and insurgency in Nigeria, especially in the northern regions.
