The Federal High Court in Abuja has declined to grant bail to the Commissioner of Finance, Bauchi State, Yakubu Adamu and his co-defendants, who are facing $9.7 million terrorism financing allegation.
The trial Judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, in a brief ruling, held that the offences with which the defendants are being charged threatened national security and public safety, noting that terrorism related offences threatened social order and pre-trial release could endanger the public, hence, such bail cannot be granted.
The trial judge, however, made an order for accelerated hearing of the matter, while adjourning the matter to January 13 for commencement of trial.
Adamu and his co-defendants were remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre following their arraignment on a 10-count charge on December 31, 2025.
Adamu was arraigned alongside Balarabe Abdullahi, Aminu Bose and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed, who are 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants respectively.
They however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts preferred against them by the anti-graft agency.
In count one, Adamu, Sirajo Jaja (while being Accountant-General of Bauchi State, now at large), Samaila Irmiya Liman (now at large), Balarabe Ilelah, Aminu Bose and Kabiru Mohammed (all being civil servants and signatories to Bauchi State Government’s accounts and/or payment instruments) were alleged to have committed the offence sometime between Jan. 2024 and May 2024.
They were alleged to have conspired to provide funds in the aggregate sum of 2,300,000.000 U.S. dollars in cash for the benefit of Bello Bodejo and persons associated with him, pursuant to approvals granted by Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.
The said funds were alleged to be used in whole or in part, to finance a terrorist or terrorist group.
The offence contrary to Section 26(1) and punishable under Section 21(2)(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In count three, Adamu, Jaja (now at large), Liman (now at large), Ilelah, Bose, Mohammed (all being civil servants and signatories to Bauchi State Government’s accounts and/or payment instruments) were alleged to have, sometime between Jan. 2024 and May 2024, committed the offence.
They were accused of involving in an arrangement which resulted in the sum of about 500,000.00 U.S. dollars being delivered in cash to Bello Bodejo and persons associated with him for the purpose of terrorism and for the benefit of a proscribed terrorist group pursuant to approvals granted by Gov. Bala Mohammed,
an offence contrary to Section 21(3)(b) and punishable under Section 21(4)(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Count four accused the defendants, including Jaja and Liman (who are at large) to have conspired to disguise the origin of the 2, 300, 000. 00 U.S. dollars, being Bauchi State Government’s funds, routed through Bureau de Change (BDC) operators and other nominees and converting same to U.S. dollars, for the benefit of Bello Bodejo and persons associated with him.
It said this was pursuant to approvals granted by Gov. Mohammed, having reasonable grounds to know that the said funds formed part of proceeds of an unlawful act, an offence contrary to Section 21(a) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In count eight, the defendants, including Jaja and Liman (who are at large), were alleged to have, sometime in the year 2024, conspired to disguise the origin of the sum of about 6, 950, 000. 00 US dollars for the benefit of Yakubu Adamu, the Finance Commissioner, being proceeds of unlawful activity routed from Bauchi State Government’s funds through the BDC operators.
An offence contrary to Section 21(a) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, among other counts.
Alhaji Bello Bodejo is the President, the Miyettti Allah Kautal Hore.
The 1st defendant Adamu, alongside a firm, Ayab Agro Products and a Freight Company Ltd, is also facing another money laundering charge involving N4.6 billion before Justice Nwite.
He was, however, granted a N500 million bail with two sureties in like sum.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
