Senator Shehu Buba, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District, has denied allegations linking him to bandit leaders following the circulation of a viral video on social media.
Buba said the video falsely suggested that bandit kingpins had visited his residence in Bauchi. He said no bandit leader had visited his home as alleged.
According to the senator, the material contains two unrelated video clips that were combined to create a misleading impression. He said people in the first clip spoke Fulfulde, while those in the second spoke English.
Buba said the videos had been edited and circulated with new captions as part of what he described as an attempt to damage his reputation.
He said: “Philanthropy is not a political slogan for me – it is an obligation.”
He added that some of his charitable and security-related activities had taken place without publicity and said such activities should not be presented as evidence of wrongdoing.
“It is deeply unfortunate when acts of compassion or legitimate security-related contacts are stripped of context and repackaged as evidence of wrongdoing,” he said.
Buba said he accepts scrutiny because of his positions in government and his political activities. He previously chaired the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence and currently chairs the Senate Committee on Livestock and Animal Husbandry.
“I welcome scrutiny, but scrutiny must be fair. I do not claim immunity from scrutiny,” he said.
The senator said legitimate investigations should rely on factual evidence. He also accused political opponents of using false allegations to attack his character.
“There is a difference between investigation and fabrication, between criticism and blackmail, and between political opposition and deliberate character assassination,” he said.
Buba said the repeated circulation of edited material can make an allegation appear credible simply because people encounter it several times.
“Modern disinformation thrives on recycling old allegations, editing them, attaching new captions and redistributing them until repetition masquerades as evidence,” he said.
He said anyone with credible evidence of wrongdoing should submit it to the appropriate authorities.
Buba initially chose not to respond to the video, saying his previous security responsibilities required discretion. He later issued a statement after the allegations continued to circulate.
He said: “National security demands discretion.”
He added that releasing details about sensitive security activities could expose sources and put individuals and communities at risk.
Buba urged his supporters to remain calm while the controversy continues.
“Let us remain calm, disciplined and committed to the democratic process,” he said.
