Bauchi South Senator Shehu Buba has categorically rejected any ties to bandits operating in Zamfara State, despite rumours tying him to accused bandit Abubakar Aliyu.
On Friday, Hassan Guruji, the senator’s Legislative Assistant, issued a statement in Abuja denying the allegations.
The scandal came from reports that Senator Buba funded Aliyu, a known suspected bandit and kidnapper, as well as Zainab Aliyu, on a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia in July.
According to the sources, Aliyu was detained and is presently in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS).
Senator Buba stated in his statement that the alleged bandit and Mrs. Aliyu were among the pilgrims he registered.
However, he stressed that their nominations were from community elders, religious leaders, and local representatives in Bauchi State and that he acted completely on their advice.
Buba said that the alleged bandit was apprehended during a pilgrimage screening exercise and is currently in the hands of the secret police. He stated that Mrs Aliyu cleared security screening and was allowed to participate in the pilgrimage.
Mr. Guruji emphasised that Senator Buba, who leads the Senate Committee on National Security, had no personal ties to the alleged bandit.
The senator stated that his decision to register Aliyu for the trip was based on nominations from respected members of the community and had nothing to do with illegal activities.
“Senator Buba does not have a Senior Legislative Aide by the name of Yahaya Ibrahim. While it is the responsibility of security services to conduct due diligence on potential Hajj pilgrims, Senator Buba sponsors numerous individuals for the pilgrimage each year, based on recommendations from elders, community leaders, and religious figures.
“We are aware that Hajiya Zainab Ali was thoroughly screened and permitted to perform Hajj, whereas Abubakar Idris was arrested for further investigation without any interference from the senator’s office,” he narrated.
Guruji stated that the senator has used his role in the National Assembly to combat insurgency, including banditry, terrorism, and abduction.
The statement said: “As chairman of a crucial Senate committee, Senator Buba has actively championed initiatives aimed at counter-insurgency and anti-banditry, which are beginning to yield positive results.”
