The Federal High Court in Abuja declined to grant bail on Monday to Yakubu Adamu, the Commissioner of Finance for Bauchi State, along with his co-defendants, who are facing allegations of terrorism financing totalling £7.5 million.
Justice Emeka Nwite ruled that the charges against the defendants pose a significant threat to national security and public safety.
He further stated that offences related to terrorism jeopardise social order, and releasing the defendants on bail could endanger the public, thus making bail inappropriate.
However, the judge ordered an expedited hearing for the case.
“I am aware of the constitutional provision under Section 36(5), which asserts that every individual charged with a criminal offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“Nonetheless, I must emphasise that this constitutional provision is not absolute.
“In considering a bail application, all relevant factors must be taken into account,” he stated.
Referring to a 2001 case involving Bamaiyi and the State, the judge noted that the Supreme Court indicated it is proper to consider the nature of the offence, the evidence supporting it, and the severity of the potential punishment.
He explained that the court had considered these critical aspects regarding the defendants’ availability to stand trial, stating, “These are matters that cannot be overlooked.”
Justice Nwite commented: “I cannot add more than this learned jurist.
“Our criminal justice system has provisions and safeguards for the prosecutor, the accused, and the victim.
“In the proper functioning of that system, it can be said that it is in society’s interest, with those safeguards in place, that if a bail application is pending trial, there must be good reason to believe that the accused will not abscond, thereby making himself available for trial, and will not interfere with witnesses, thus hindering the course of justice. The court would be exercising its discretion to grant bail.
“I have thoroughly considered the affidavit evidence available to me at this time.
“I have also taken into account the proof of evidence, particularly the statement of Dan Lawan Abdulmumuni and other prosecution witnesses, alongside the grave threat this case poses to national security and public safety.
“I recognise that terrorism-related offences threaten social order, and pre-trial release could endanger the public.
“In my view, the prosecution has established a reasonable presumption of criminal responsibility concerning the applicants (Adamu and his co-defendants).
“Consequently, I hold that the interests of justice will be served by expediting this matter.
“As such, the application is hereby denied,” the judge concluded.
Justice Nwite adjourned the case until 13 January for the commencement of the trial.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adamu and his co-defendants were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre following their arraignment on a ten-count charge on 31 December 2025, with the judge fixing today for a ruling on their bail applications.
Adamu, the first defendant, was arraigned alongside Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose, and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed, who are the second to fourth defendants, respectively, and civil servants in Bauchi State.
The defendants have pleaded not guilty to all counts against them brought by the anti-graft agency.
The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/705/2025, was dated and filed on 30 December by the EFCC’s lawyer, Samuel Chime.
In the first count, Adamu, Sirajo Jaja (who is currently at large), Samaila Irmiya Liman (also at large), Balarabe Ilelah, Aminu Bose, and Kabiru Mohammed (all civil servants and signatories to Bauchi State Government’s accounts) are alleged to have conspired to provide funds totalling £1.8 billion in cash for the benefit of Bello Bodejo and associated persons, pursuant to approvals granted by Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.
These funds are alleged to have been used, in whole or in part, to finance a terrorist or terrorist group.
This offence contravenes Section 26(1) and is punishable under Section 21(2)(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In the third count, Adamu, Jaja (currently at large), Liman (also at large), Ilelah, Bose, and Mohammed are accused of being involved in an arrangement that resulted in approximately £500,000 being delivered in cash to Bello Bodejo and persons associated with him for terrorism purposes and for the benefit of a proscribed terrorist group, pursuant to approvals granted by Governor Bala Mohammed.
This offence is contrary to Section 21(3)(b) and punishable under Section 21(4)(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The prosecution claims these actions were conducted with reasonable grounds to believe that the funds were derived from unlawful activities.
This offence is also contrary to Section 21(a) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Additionally, the prosecution states that the offence is contrary to Section 21(a) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, among other counts.
Alhaji Bello Bodejo is the President of the Miyettti Allah Kautal Hore.
Adamu, the first defendant, alongside a firm, Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd, is also facing another money laundering charge involving £5.8 million before Justice Nwite.
However, he was granted bail set at £500 million with two sureties who must own property within Maitama, Asokoro, or Gwarimpa on Friday.
In the six-count charge, Adamu was alleged to have committed the offence while acting as the Branch Manager of Polaris Bank Ltd in Bauchi, sometime between June 2023 and December 2023.
The defendants, along with others, are alleged to have facilitated and agreed to the conversion, concealment, and use of funds totalling approximately £5.8 million provided by Polaris Bank under the guise of financing motorcycle supplies to the Bauchi State Government through Emmanuel Asomugha General Enterprises.
However, they are alleged not to have supplied the motorcycles. (NAN)
