The Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) has called on the office of the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services (DSS) to conduct a thorough and independent investigation into various allegations linking Bauchi State Senator, Shehu Buba, to acts of banditry and terrorism.
Buba, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has been under fire, after he was accused of having links with bandits and terrorists.
On September 6, the senator denied the claims, calling them “fabricated, manipulated and a coordinated campaign by his political opponents.”
However, in a statement by the Sharia Council issued on September 7, the council warned against the politicisation of national security, stressing that credible allegations must be properly investigated, while unsubstantiated accusations should not be weaponised for political purposes.
The latest position comes despite the council’s previous defence of Senator Buba when similar allegations of involvement in banditry emerged against him.
At the time, the SCSN described the allegations as baseless and malicious and accused politicians of politicising Nigeria’s security challenges.
The council had argued that Senator Buba’s engagements and contributions to security initiatives should not be turned into evidence of wrongdoing without credible proof.
However, in its latest statement, the council said the emergence of renewed allegations and evidence makes it necessary for the relevant security institutions to establish the facts and provide clarity on the matter.
The SCSN also called on the office of the National Security Adviser and DSS to clarify the nature of their previous engagements with the senator, particularly in relation to consultations and efforts aimed at addressing terrorism and banditry.
