A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has denied bail to the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and three other individuals. They are facing trial for their alleged involvement in financing terrorism activities to the sum of $9.7 million.
Details of the Charges and Arraignment
The other defendants in the high-profile case are Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose, and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed. They were formally arraigned before the court on December 31, 2025, on a 10-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/705/2025. The charges were filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The prosecution alleges that the defendants conspired to provide millions of dollars to a proscribed terrorist organization and individuals associated with it. All four men entered a plea of not guilty to the charges against them.
Court's Ruling and Reason for Bail Refusal
Following their arraignment, the defendants' legal counsel, Gordy Uche (SAN), applied for their release on bail. However, the prosecution team, led by Samuel Chime, strongly opposed the bail applications.
Delivering his ruling on Monday, January 6, 2026, Justice Emeka Nwite stated that the gravity of the allegations required a careful balance between the defendants' rights and public safety. He emphasized that offences related to terrorism pose a severe threat to national security.
"Given the grave threat to national security and public safety, I am persuaded that the prosecution has raised a reasonable presumption of criminal responsibility," Justice Nwite stated.
While acknowledging the constitutional presumption of innocence under Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution, the judge ruled that this provision is not absolute, especially in cases where alleged crimes threaten the social order. He referenced affidavit evidence and witness statements, including that of Dan Lawan Abdulmumuni, in making his decision.
Accelerated Hearing Ordered
Consequently, Justice Nwite refused the bail applications. He ordered an accelerated hearing of the case and adjourned proceedings to January 13, 2026, for the commencement of the trial.
In one of the specific allegations, the defendants are accused of conspiring to disguise the origin of $2.3 million. The prosecution claims they routed Bauchi State Government funds through Bureau de Change operators and intermediaries before converting the money to U.S. dollars for the benefit of the alleged terrorist group.
