Senator Shehu Umar Buba (APC–Bauchi South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, is under intense public scrutiny following a string of controversies — from alleged dealings with notorious terror kingpin Bello Turji to accusations of stoking religious conflict in Plateau State.
Religious Tensions in Jos
Reports indicate that Senator Buba is financing the construction of a multi-million-naira Juma’at mosque in Zinariya, Jos, just one house away from the long-standing Abu Huraira Juma’at Mosque, a Sufi Brotherhood (Dariqa) place of worship. The new mosque is said to be for the Jama’atul Izalatul Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah faction, led by Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau.
Community leaders fear the proximity could trigger clashes, given the history of hostile sermons between the two sects. Tensions have been further inflamed by claims that Buba purchased and demolished a church on the site to make way for the mosque — an act condemned by local Christians as provocative.
Critics also fault the senator for focusing on the Jos project while leaving an unfinished mosque in his own constituency of Toro, Bauchi State.
Peace Deal with Terror Leader
Buba is also facing backlash over a proposed peace deal with Bello Turji — an armed bandit accused of mass killings, kidnappings, sexual violence, and arson across the North-West. The plan, allegedly brokered through Kaduna-based cleric Sheikh Musa Asadus-Sunnah, has drawn condemnation from Islamic scholars who insist Turji should face trial rather than receive amnesty.
Prominent northern preacher Sheikh Murtala Asadah accused the government of ethnic bias in considering the deal and warned it could erode President Bola Tinubu’s northern support ahead of the 2027 elections.
Some political opponents further allege Buba has close ties to opposition leader Atiku Abubakar, branding him a “mole” within the APC.
Past Allegations of Sponsoring Bandits to Hajj
In October 2024, the DSS reportedly investigated Buba over claims he facilitated Hajj travel for Abubakar Idris, a wanted Zamfara bandit. Security sources say Idris was registered through Buba’s senior legislative aide and arrested after DSS intercepted his passport during the pilgrimage process.
The case raised concerns over Buba’s suitability to chair a committee overseeing national security matters.
Hostile Reception in Constituency
Relations with constituents have also soured. On May 23, 2025, youths in Toro confronted and booed Buba during a condolence visit, accusing him of neglect and blocking the recruitment of 12 locals into the Nigerian Army. Witnesses say attempts to placate the crowd with cash were rejected.
Buba Denies Wrongdoing
While unavailable for new comments, Buba has previously dismissed all allegations as “baseless, fabricated, and malicious.” Responding to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed’s earlier claims, he stated he has no aide named Yahaya Ibrahim — the person allegedly linked to the Hajj case — and stressed that security agencies independently vet all pilgrims.
Buba maintained that his record shows active support for anti-banditry initiatives that are yielding results.
