The Nigeria Democratic Front (NDF), a prominent civil society organization, has urged the Department of State Services (DSS) to disclose the findings of its investigation into Senator Shehu Buba’s alleged links with a wanted terrorist, Abubakar Idris.
The group made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday, December 5, 2024, through its National Spokesperson, Ikenna Ellis Ezenekwe.
The allegations against Senator Buba, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District and serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, had sparked widespread concern.
The senator had been accused of providing logistical support to the notorious terrorist arrested by the DSS in Bauchi State on August 17, 2024.
“However, despite the ongoing investigation of the allegations, Senator Buba continues to preside over one of the nation’s most sensitive committees (as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence),” the NDF lamented.
The group called on the DSS to prioritize the release of its findings to enable appropriate action against the Senator if the allegations are substantiated.
The group expressed concern that the continued silence on such grave matters risks eroding public trust in both the National Assembly and the nation’s security architecture.
The NDF cited the senator’s history as a former leader of the controversial Miyetti Allah group and his alleged dealings with bandits.
The group also highlighted his reported ties to Tukur Mamu, the publisher of Desert Herald, who remains in DSS custody for his connections to banditry.
“The failure to investigate and prosecute individuals like Senator Buba sends a dangerous message to criminals and law-abiding citizens alike — that impunity thrives at the highest levels of governance,” the group cautioned.
According to the NDF, the nation, especially the residents of the North East and North West, eagerly awaits the findings of the investigations.
“Our DSS is renowned for its integrity and professionalism. We urge the agency to consider the thousands of Nigerians who have been murdered, maimed, or displaced by terrorist activities in this country.
“The time to act is now. National security must not be compromised for political expediency,” the NDF stated.
The NDF also warned that treating the allegations as a mere political exercise would have dire consequences for the country’s stability.
“These accusations transcend politics. They strike at the heart of Nigeria’s survival as a nation. The DSS must prioritize this investigation and ensure that the truth is brought to light,” the statement added.
Furthermore, the group questioned the appropriateness of allowing Senator Buba to remain in his position as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence while under investigation.
The group, therefore, called on the Senate leadership to immediately suspend Senator Buba from his position pending the outcome of the DSS investigation.
“The continued presence of an individual facing such grave allegations in a critical security role sends a troubling signal to Nigerians and the international community.
“It is imperative that the Senate takes a stand to preserve its integrity; while it’s also important that the DSS handles the investigation with the seriousness, urgency, and transparency it deserves,” the NDF stated.