Bauchi Senator Denies Bandit Link, Insists Viral Videos Fake

Senator representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, Shehu Buba, has denied fresh allegations linking him to banditry, describing viral videos and claims circulating on social media as part of a sustained campaign of disinformation and character assassination.

Buba, who chairs the Senate Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry and is the Peoples Redemption Party governorship candidate in Bauchi State, said the allegations were false and challenged anyone with credible evidence against him to submit it to the appropriate security agencies.

The latest controversy followed the circulation of videos by a content creator identified as “D English Alhaji,” who alleged that suspected bandit kingpins had visited Buba’s residence in Bauchi.

Buba rejected the claim, saying a fact-check of the material showed that the viral footage had combined two unrelated videos to create a misleading impression.

According to the senator, one of the clips showed Kaduna-based Hajj returnees who visited his residence in 2023, while another featured different individuals displaying passports. He noted that the people shown in the two clips spoke different languages, further demonstrating, in his view, that the videos were unrelated.

He said the individuals in the first clip spoke Fulfulde, while those in the second spoke English, arguing that there was no basis for identifying them as bandit kingpins.

Buba said the latest allegations were not the first attempt to link him with criminal activities. He has faced similar accusations since 2024 and has consistently denied having any relationship with suspected bandits.

He also disclosed that he petitioned the Nigeria Police Force in September 2025 after videos and photographs were circulated and individuals allegedly demanded money from him. He said several suspects were arrested and investigated, while five people were later arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The senator said the court matter involves allegations including criminal conspiracy, cyberstalking, criminal defamation, advance-fee fraud and extortion. He added that the next hearing is scheduled for September 29, 2026.

Buba maintained that he had nothing to hide and nothing to fear from any legitimate investigation. He urged those with evidence of wrongdoing to approach the relevant authorities rather than rely on social media allegations.

He also appealed to his supporters not to be provoked by the controversy, urging them to remain focused on the 2027 elections and his political campaign.