In a significant development, prominent Islamic clerics and the legislative arm of Bauchi State have risen in strong defence of Governor Bala Mohammed and other state officials currently facing trial over allegations of terrorism financing. The officials are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly funding terror activities to the tune of $9.7 million.
Islamic Scholars Issue Stern Warning to EFCC
The Coalition of Bauchi State Islamic Scholars, addressing the press over the weekend, issued a direct warning to the EFCC. The religious leaders described the accusation of terrorism financing against Governor Bala Mohammed as paradoxical, given his leadership of one of Nigeria's peaceful northern states.
The coalition's leader, Imam Yusuf Adam, categorically absolved the governor of any involvement in supporting banditry or assisting hoodlums. "On the contrary," Adam stated, "Mohammed was actively fighting them." He expressed the collective shock of Bauchi State's people, noting that none of the accused officials had ever been associated with banditry and were instead known for good character and peaceful living.
The scholars urged the public to desist from spreading fabricated stories aimed at tarnishing the reputation of others and called for the immediate release of the detained officials so they could return to their families and resume their official duties.
State Assembly Joins Defence, Labels Claims Baseless
Adding institutional weight to the defence, the Bauchi State House of Assembly has also formally opposed the ongoing prosecution. The Speaker of the House, Abubakar Suleiman, dismissed the allegations as completely baseless and unfounded.
Suleiman made this remark following a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus meeting of the House held in Bauchi. He offered a categorical defence of Governor Mohammed, firmly denying any involvement by the governor or his officials in terrorism-related activities.
The Core of the Allegations and Ongoing Trial
The controversy stems from the ongoing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The case involves the state's Finance Commissioner, Adamu Yakubu, and four other government officials. They are facing charges related to the alleged funding of terror activities, with the EFCC citing a figure of $9.7 million.
The unified front presented by both the religious body and the state legislature highlights the significant local support for the accused officials and places considerable political and social pressure on the anti-graft agency's proceedings. The case continues to unfold as the nation watches closely.
