A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the continued detention of the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and three other defendants, refusing their application for bail. The court cited the serious nature of the charges, which include terrorism financing and money laundering, as the reason for its decision.
Court Cites Threat to Public Safety in Bail Ruling
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered the ruling on Monday, January 5, 2026. He stated that the alleged offences posed a significant threat to public safety and social order. The judge emphasised that the interest of justice would be best served by a speedy trial and consequently ordered an accelerated hearing of the case.
The other defendants in the matter are Balarabe Ilelah, Bose Aminu, and Kabiru Mohammed. They were all arraigned on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, on a 10-count charge. The charges border on terrorism financing, contrary to Sections 2(1) and 19(1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Details of the Allegations and Legal Arguments
One of the specific counts alleges that Yakubu Adamu, in his official capacity as Commissioner for Finance, sometime in 2024, received cash payments totalling $6.95 million outside of a financial institution. This is an offence punishable under the Act.
During the bail hearing, the defence counsel, Chris Uche (SAN), urged the court to grant bail. He argued that the court had the jurisdiction and that the applicants were responsible family men. However, the prosecution counsel, Chime Samuel, strongly opposed the application.
Samuel informed the court that the defendants were facing grave charges related to terrorism and money laundering. He added that the charges included allegations of receiving about $1.8 million in cash outside the banking system and disguising the origin of these funds. The court has adjourned the case to January 6, 2026, for hearing.
EFCC Dismisses Claims of Political Harassment
In a related development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a strong warning to politicians. The anti-graft agency cautioned them against using its name for campaign purposes or attempting to politicise its operations.
The statement came in response to allegations by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed. The governor had claimed he was being harassed by the EFCC for political reasons, specifically for refusing to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He also questioned the arrest of his Finance Commissioner.
Reacting during an interview on ARISE NEWS, the EFCC Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, described the governor's claims as reckless and unfounded. Uwujaren stressed that the commission operates independently and without political bias, stating that politics has no place in the commission’s work.
He also dismissed the suggestion that the commission was acting on instructions from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Furthermore, the EFCC addressed the situation involving former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello. The commission stated that Bello's renewed political activities within the APC and his senatorial ambition were irrelevant to his ongoing criminal trials for fraud and money laundering. Uwujaren noted that the prosecution process was progressing strictly in line with judicial procedures.
