The Department of State Service (DSS) has reportedly launched a probe into alleged ties between Senator Shehu Buba Umar representing Bauchi South Senatorial District and a notorious bandit, Abubakar Idris.
A source that is familiar with the matter confided in the THISDAY newspaper earlier that a security report on the issue had been sent to President Bola Tinubu for possible action, according to Arise TV.
Senator Umar currently serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence in the 10th National Assembly.
The source told the newspaper that the security report particularly alleged that Senator Umar had sponsored a bandit kingpin Abubakar Idris for pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia in 2024 Hajj exercise through one of his aides called Yahaya Ibrahim.
Arise TV reports that the source added that the investigation necessitated the DSS operatives to invade the Bauchi State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board during the 2024 Pilgrimage Operations in searc of records of the suspects.
According to the source, the DSS personnel obtained the e-passports of Abubakar Idris but could not access that of Zainab Aliyu Gado who were both registered as intending pilgrims with the board and are persons of interests in the report.
He explained that Zainab had travelled out of the country for the lesser Hajj.
The source revealed further that security source said Idris is suspected of banditry in Zamfara State.
Recall that Zamfara and some states in North western Nigeria have been ravaged by terrorist activities that kill and maim people at will in addition to collecting ransom.
The source added that a thorough investigation into the matter was ongoing with a view to arresting and prosecuting all connected culprits.
Arise TV reported that, Hassan Abdullahi, the senator’s Senior Legislative Aide, who was also said to be involved in the registration denied any involvement.
“I am not working at the Bauchi Pilgrim Welfare Board office and I wouldn’t have ensured the registration of any pilgrim there.
“I don’t know the said Idris or anyone involved in criminal activities in Bauchi State. Whoever links me with any criminal is a liar,” Abdullahi was quoted by Arise TV.
However, Senator Umar, in a letter he addressed to President Tinubu and obtained by WikkiTimes described the allegation as baseless.
He accused Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed of masterminding the petition against him that led to the investigation for challenging the governor’s leadership style.
“Governor Bala Mohammed has maintained his attacks on the President and waged a political war against those of us who dare to question his leadership style and arrogance,” the letter read.
The senator added that the security cleared Zainab and said he would not interfere with the investigation on the suspects but affirms that it was within the duty of security service to conduct due diligence on pilgrims while he sponsors whom he wants on a pilgrimage based on recommendations of his associates.
“I do not have a Senior Legislative Aide named Yahaya Ibrahim, the letter read in response to a name of the senator’s aide that facilitated the suspects’ registration.
“I gather that Hajia Zainab Ali was thoroughly screened and permitted to perform the Hajj, whereas Abubakar Idris was arrested for further investigation without any interference from my office.
“While it falls within the jurisdiction of security services to conduct due diligence on prospective Hajj pilgrims, I sponsor numerous individuals for the pilgrimage each year based on recommendations from elders, community leaders, and religious figures” it added. According to him, as the Chairman of a critical Senate committee, he has actively championed initiatives aimed at counter-insurgency and anti-banditry which are yielding positive results.
Aminu Adamu is the Managing Editor at WikkiTimes, where he oversees editorial processes and contributes to impactful journalism. His reporting focuses on accountability at the grassroots level, climate change, and other underreported issues, particularly within subnational contexts.
Aminu has conducted investigative stories that have been cross-published by reputable media outlets, showcasing his dedication to uncovering critical issues and promoting transparency. In 2023, he was selected as a GovSpend Media Fellow, further cementing his expertise in tracking public spending and governance.
