By Suzan Edeh
The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance has called on national security agencies to launch an immediate, independent, and evidence-based investigation into renewed allegations linking Senator Shehu Buba Umar to individuals associated with banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the coalition’s spokesperson, Comrade Adedeji M. Abdulsalam, stated that the group is not pronouncing the lawmaker guilty but emphasized that the severity of the public allegations demands a transparent inquiry rather than political statements or social media debates.
The coalition also expressed concern over delays in investigating the matter.Senator Buba, who represents the Bauchi South Senatorial District, has strongly denied any wrong doing or intentional association with criminal elements, suggesting some materials used against him may have been manipulated.
The group questioned the security screening and nomination process for two individuals, Abubakar Idris and Zainab Aliyu Gado, who were reportedly sponsored for the 2024 Hajj through a proxy tied to the Senator.
Idris was subsequently detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged ties to banditry and kidnapping.
The coalition highlighted claims from a September 2026 online interview alleging that two individuals linked to notorious bandit leader Dogo Gide were brought to Abuja for specialised training in drone operations and sniping, purportedly facilitated by an aide to the Senator.
The group urged security agencies to track the movements, communication records, and financial trails of those named.
Addressing circulated photographs and videos allegedly showing suspected bandit leaders at the Senator’s residence, the coalition called on forensic experts to verify the materials.
They also urged authorities to investigate unverified claims regarding the alleged diversion of constituency motorcycles and the transfer of funds to a Kaduna cleric, Musa Sunna, for onward distribution to bandits.
Regarding reports of contacts between the lawmaker and individuals attempting to facilitate peace talks with bandit leader Bello Turji, the coalition noted that while conflict-resolution engagements do not inherently constitute sponsorship, official clarification is needed to determine who authorized the meetings and whether security agencies were informed.
Comrade Abdulsalam warned against two fundamental risks: allowing political influence to shield genuine criminal facilitation, and allowing fabricated claims to ruin an individual’s reputation without due process.
“Nigeria’s security crisis is too serious to permit either political protection or trial by social media. Where credible evidence exists that any individual is financing, facilitating, arming, training, harboring or materially supporting bandit groups, the person should be investigated and prosecuted.” Abdulsalam said.
The coalition urged the public not to allow the matter to become a source of ethnic, religious, or political division, maintaining that the law must take its course based strictly on verified evidence.
