Senator Shehu Buba Umar has reportedly submitted himself to Amnesty International for an independent investigation into allegations linking him to terrorism and banditry.

The claim was made in a social media post by EbonyNaija MediaBlog, which reported that the Bauchi South senator had approached the international human rights organisation amid renewed calls for an independent review of the allegations.

However, there was no independent confirmation from Amnesty International in the available reports reviewed.

Renewed allegations against senator

The development comes amid renewed allegations against Shehu Buba following claims made by a man identified as Hassan.

Recent reports have linked Hassan to allegations concerning the senator and alleged relationships with individuals accused of involvement in banditry. The claims have generated political and public debate in Bauchi and beyond.

The allegations remain contested. Reports indicate that Senator Buba has denied wrongdoing and described the claims against him as false and politically motivated. 

Previous controversy

The latest development also comes against the background of earlier allegations involving the senator and the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.

In 2024, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed reportedly petitioned President Bola Tinubu over two individuals registered for the pilgrimage who were allegedly linked to banditry. Senator Buba subsequently denied the allegations and said people sponsored for the pilgrimage were recommended by community and religious leaders. 

No publicly available court judgment has established that Senator Buba sponsored terrorism or banditry. Recent reporting has stressed that the allegations should not be treated as established facts without an independent investigation. 

Call for independent investigation

The controversy has renewed calls for the allegations to be properly investigated rather than determined through social media claims.

A September 4 representation addressed to Amnesty International also called for an independent examination of allegations involving Senator Buba, while stressing the constitutional presumption of innocence. 

If the reported approach to Amnesty International is confirmed, an independent review could provide an avenue for the competing claims to be examined through evidence and due process.

For now, the reported submission remains unconfirmed by Amnesty International, while the allegations against Senator Buba remain allegations rather than proven criminal conduct.