By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
A Federal High Court in Abuja has refused to grant bail to Bauchi State Commissioner of Finance, Yakubu Adamu, who is standing trial over alleged terrorism financing amounting to $9.7 million.
The court also refused the bail application of Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose, and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed, who were listed as second, third, and fourth defendants, respectively, and standing trial alongside Adamu.
Delivering the ruling on Monday, January 5, Justice Emeka Nwite held that the offences which the defendants are charged pose a grave threat to national security and public safety.
The judge said terrorism-related offences threaten social order and that granting pretrial release could endanger the public, noting that such considerations weighed against the grant of bail.
Nwite, however, ordered an accelerated hearing of the case.
The judge cited a 2001 decision in “Bamaiyi v. State” by the Supreme Court, which held that “it is proper to consider the nature of the offence, the nature of the evidence in support of it and the severity of the punishment which conviction will entail.”
Nwite noted that those factors, including the likelihood of the defendants making themselves available for trial, are critical and “are not matters that should be glossed over.”
Nwite added that he had carefully examined the affidavit evidence and proof of evidence before the court, including the statement of one Dan Lawan Abdulmumuni and other prosecution witnesses.
The judge added: “I have also taken cognisance that terrorism related offences threaten social order and pre-trial release could endanger the public.
“In my view, the prosecution/respondent has succeeded in raising a reasonable presumption of criminal responsibility on the part of the applicants (Adamu and co-defendants).
“In view of the foregoing, I am of the humble view, and I hold that the interest of justice will be met by giving the matter accelerated hearing.
“Consequently, the application is hereby refused.”
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter till January 13 for the trial to commence.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had arraigned Adamu before the court on a 10-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/705/2025.
According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly conspired to provide about $2.3 million in cash for the benefit of Bello Bodejo, President of Miyetti Allah, and persons associated with him, pursuant to approvals allegedly granted by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.
The commission said the funds were allegedly used, in whole or in part, to finance a terrorist group, contrary to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The anti-graft agency also alleged that the defendants disguised the origin of Bauchi State government funds by routing them through bureau de change operators and nominees before converting the funds to US dollars for unlawful purposes.
The Bauchi Finance Commissioner is also separately standing trial alongside Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd over an alleged N4.6 billion money laundering case.
