A fresh call has been made for Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate allegations linking Senator Shehu Buba Umar, representing Bauchi South Senatorial District, to the alleged sponsorship and financing of terrorism in the country.
The call was made by Prince Omoriba Abiola Bayo, who expressed concern over what he described as the continued silence of the National Assembly following allegations reportedly made against the serving senator by a young Fulani man identified as Hassan.
According to Bayo, Hassan recently made what he described as “outrageous and overwhelming” allegations against the senator and reportedly presented evidence in support of his claims.
Bayo said the allegations had attracted attention within and outside Nigeria, arguing that the response of Nigerian authorities would be closely watched, particularly because the accusations concern a serving member of the Senate.
He expressed concern that the Senate had yet to publicly address the matter.
“It is very shocking and alarming that till now, the Senate is yet to release any statement regarding this matter,” Bayo said.
He also questioned whether senators from the southern part of the country would speak up on the allegations, particularly if northern senators were reluctant to raise the matter on the floor of the Senate.
Bayo argued that the alleged involvement of a serving senator in terrorism financing, if established, would have serious implications for national security and Nigeria’s international reputation.
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He further expressed concern over what he described as the growing influence of members of the Fulani community in strategic government positions, alleging that such circumstances could make it difficult for security agencies to independently investigate the accusations.
Bayo also referred to a purported letter which, according to him, advised against a DSS investigation of the senator. He claimed the letter was allegedly issued by a council operating under the authority of the Sultan of Sokoto.
However, he acknowledged that he had not established the authenticity of the document.
“I don’t expect that to be true else, we will have to treat such a council as a terrorist organisation,” he said.
He therefore urged the DSS to invite Senator Shehu Buba Umar for questioning and conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations.
“The DSS should save our country from a national embarrassment from the world and with immediate effect invite Shehu Buba Umar for a thorough investigation,” Bayo said.
He also called on the National Assembly to address the allegations transparently, arguing that any credible evidence linking a serving lawmaker to terrorism financing should be subjected to appropriate investigation and legal action.
The allegations remain claims at this stage, and no finding of guilt has been established against Senator Shehu Buba Umar. A thorough investigation by the relevant authorities would be required to determine the credibility of the accusations and any evidence presented in support of them.