Senator Shehu Buba, representing Bauchi South, has strongly refuted renewed accusations connecting him to banditry, asserting that these claims are politically motivated smear tactics engineered by his detractors. Speaking on Albarka Radio in Bauchi, the former Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence maintained that he has already petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over the matter, noting that four individuals have been apprehended in connection with the claims. The controversy escalated following a social media interview by influencer D English Alhaji Media, in which a local resident named Hassan accused the lawmaker of backing bandits and alleged that associates of notorious bandit leader Dogo Gide were taken to Abuja for specialized training facilitated by one of the senator’s aides. Buba countered that Hassan—whom he labeled the primary suspect—has fled to the Niger Republic and continues to launch online propaganda financed by his political rivals.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Police Command, through its spokesperson Nafiu Habib, stated that it has yet to receive a formal petition regarding these latest accusations and therefore has no official stance. Conversely, Mukhtar Gwarzo, a businessman and longtime political ally of the senator, has urged security and government agencies to launch a rigorous and impartial probe into the claims, emphasizing their gravity for national security. Gwarzo defended Buba’s character based on a relationship spanning over two decades, arguing that someone allegedly tied to banditry would not have been trusted with such a sensitive national security post in the National Assembly. Nevertheless, Gwarzo stressed that the senator should not be immune to accountability, calling on the Department of State Services (DSS) and relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate all aspects of the controversy. This current dispute builds upon prior scrutiny, including a September 2024 petition sent to President Bola Tinubu by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, which alleged that an aide to the senator facilitated the Hajj registration and funding of individuals suspected of involvement in banditry and kidnapping. When reached for comment regarding the status of the investigation, a DSS spokesperson indicated that the agency’s findings would be made public in due course.

The United States has greenlit a major potential arms package valued at $5 billion for Saudi Arabia, a move designed to bolster the kingdom’s airspace defense amid escalating geopolitical instability across the Middle East. Announced by the US State Department on Friday, the proposed transaction encompasses a wide array of military equipment, including advanced bombs and precision guidance kits. According to the State Department, these provisions are strategically intended to enhance Saudi Arabia’s airborne defense infrastructure, fortify domestic security against regional perils, and promote seamless tactical interoperability with United States military branches and fellow Gulf coalition partners.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle is facing fresh injury worries ahead of the upcoming AFCON qualifiers after star striker Victor Osimhen was forced off with a suspected muscle issue during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir on Friday, September 4. Osimhen had initially given his side the lead in the 16th minute—marking his sixth goal of the campaign—before being substituted 17 minutes later. This injury blow arrives less than three weeks before Nigeria’s 2027 AFCON qualifying matches against Madagascar on September 25 and Guinea-Bissau on September 29, placing additional pressure on Chelle following the team’s failure to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Amid these fitness concerns for Osimhen, other Nigerian forwards are stepping up and making strong bids for national team selection. Bursaspor striker Kelechi Iheanacho has extended his impressive form by netting a brace in a 4-0 win against Istanbulspor, bringing his season totals to six goals and two assists across five matches. Meanwhile, LASK winger Moses Usor is also drawing attention following a stellar start that includes three goals and four assists in eight games, notably starring in their dramatic 5-1 extra-time comeback win over Celtic to secure a Champions League league phase spot. While these in-form players give Chelle valuable tactical depth on the wings and upfront, they will face fierce competition from regular names like Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon as the Super Eagles prepare for their crucial fixtures.