Nigerian Senator Shehu Buba Under Fire Over Alleged Links to Terror Kingpin Bello Turji and Mosque Construction Controversy
Nigerian Senator Shehu Umar Buba Faces Backlash Over Alleged Ties to Terror Kingpin Bello Turji and Controversial Mosque Project
Jos, Plateau State Senator Shehu Umar Buba (APC–Bauchi South) Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence is currently facing significant backlash amid serious allegations linking him to terror kingpin Bello Turji and controversies involving religious tensions and property demolition for a mosque project.
Senator Buba has been accused of involvement in a controversial peace deal with Bello Turji a notorious armed bandit known for mass killings, kidnappings, and village burnings across Northwestern Nigeria.
This peace initiative reportedly brokered through a Kaduna-based cleric has been widely criticized by Muslim clerics and community leaders who argue that Turji should be brought to justice rather than pardoned.
Critics warn that the peace deal risks undermining the rule of law and may erode political support for the government in the North ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Further straining his reputation Senator Buba is alleged to be stoking sectarian conflict in Jos by funding the construction of a new Juma’at mosque for the Jama’atul Izalatul Bidi’a Wa’ikamatus Sunnah faction just a house away from the long-established Abu Huraira Juma’at Mosque affiliated with the Dariqa Sufi Brotherhood.
The proximity of these competing mosques has sparked fears of violent clashes due to the groups’ history of combative sermons.
Moreover the senator is reported to have purchased and demolished a church in the Zinariya neighborhood to build the mosque project a move condemned by Christians as provocative and disrespectful to their faith.
Locally, constituents in Bauchi South have voiced dissatisfaction, accusing Senator Buba of neglecting his home community by prioritizing the mosque project in Jos over completing a mosque in his own constituency in Toro.
On May 23, 2025, the senator faced hostility in Toro when youths protested against his neglect of community development and alleged sabotage of local recruitment into the Nigerian Army.
Eyewitnesses reported that Senator Buba attempted to pacify the crowd with money which was rejected in favor of demands for genuine engagement and developmental projects.
Senator Buba has denied the allegations, describing claims of ties to bandits and terrorism as baseless fabricated and malicious.
He refuted accusations by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed stating he has no legislative aide by the name alleged to be involved in dubious activities and affirming that the security services handle all due diligence concerning Hajj pilgrims.
Supporting the senator the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), an Islamic human rights group has declared the allegations politically motivated and called on the presidency and Senate colleagues to dismiss the claims. MURIC praised Senator Buba’s integrity and commitment to counterinsurgency and security initiatives.
Critics of the peace deal with Turji highlight the broader context of insecurity in the region, pointing out that banditry operates without ideology, driven instead by criminal enterprises that terrorize communities. Experts caution that piecemeal negotiations with select bandits like Turji risks endorsing impunity.
As the controversy unfolds, Senator Buba remains a polarizing figure in Nigerian politics entwined in accusations of fueling religious discord engaging in contentious peace negotiations with notorious criminals, and neglecting constituency welfare.
The unfolding drama raises profound questions about political loyalty, security governance, and interfaith relations in Nigeria’s volatile northern regions, as the country approaches its 2027 general elections. Senator Buba’s actions and the government’s response will likely be scrutinized closely in the months ahead.
