Civil society organizations have launched a strong condemnation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its repeated failure to bring the Finance Commissioner of Bauchi State, Dr. Yakubu Adamu, before a court to face charges of alleged money laundering involving a staggering N4.6 billion.
Court Orders Ignored, Detention Continues
The controversy stems from the arrest of Dr. Yakubu Adamu by the EFCC on 13 December 2025. Following his detention, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, issued a directive for the anti-graft agency to present the commissioner in court. The EFCC failed to comply with this initial order. Consequently, the judge issued a fresh directive, ordering the commission to produce Yakubu in court on 30 December 2025.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Bauchi on Saturday, the Independent Public Service Accountability Watch (IPSAW) and the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance expressed deep concern over the situation. Godiya Adams, leader of the Coalition, stated that the EFCC's refusal to obey the court's clear order is both troubling and unacceptable.
Legal Inconsistencies and 'Bad Faith' Allegations
The groups highlighted several legal inconsistencies in the EFCC's handling of the case. They revealed that a formal charge containing six counts of alleged money laundering has already been filed in court, and the defence team has stated their client's readiness to take a plea immediately.
"The EFCC itself confirmed in open court that the suspects, including Mr. Yakubu, had formally written to the Commission expressing readiness to honour all invitations," Adams noted. "These facts effectively nullify any justification for continued detention or procedural delay."
They further criticized the EFCC for initially responding to a bail application without mentioning ongoing investigations, only to later justify the commissioner's continued detention on grounds of amending charges and pursuing a 'uniform arraignment'. The defence has described this shifting position as an act of bad faith.
Far-Reaching Consequences for Bauchi State
Beyond the legal arguments, the organizations pointed to severe practical consequences arising from the commissioner's prolonged detention. They claimed that the absence of the state's chief financial officer has crippled governance processes in Bauchi.
"As we speak, over 60,000 civil servants in Bauchi State have not been paid their salaries since the commissioner's detention," the groups stated, underscoring the direct impact on public welfare.
The civil society coalition applauded Justice Emeka Nwite for condemning the EFCC's conduct as "unfair, unprofessional, and uncalled for." They echoed the judge's pertinent question: why were charges filed if the prosecution was not prepared to proceed with the case? The groups are now watching closely to see if the EFCC will comply with the new court date of 30 December 2025.
