The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday declined to grant a bail application filed by Yakubu Adamu, Commissioner of Finance, Bauchi State, and his co-defendants, who are facing alleged $9.7 million terrorism financing charges.
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Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, held that the offences with which the defendants are charged threaten national security and public safety.
He further stated that terrorism-related offences threaten social order and that pre-trial release could endanger the public, hence bail cannot be granted. The judge, however, ordered accelerated hearing of the matter.
“I am not unmindful of the constitutional provision of Section 36(5), which provides that every person charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed innocent until proven guilty,” Justice Nwite said.
“But this constitutional provision is not absolute. In the consideration of a bail application, all factors must be weighed,” he added.
Citing a 2001 case involving Bamaiyi and the State, the judge noted that the apex court held it is proper to consider the nature of the offence, the strength of evidence, and the severity of potential punishment.
Justice Nwite said the court also considered the availability of the accused to stand trial and other critical factors. “Our criminal justice system has stipulations and safeguards for the prosecutor, the accused, and the victim. If a bail application is made, the court must assess whether the accused is likely to flee or interfere with justice,” he said.
After reviewing the affidavit evidence and prosecution statements, including that of Dan Lawan Abdulmumuni, Justice Nwite concluded that the terrorism-related offences posed a grave threat to national security and public safety.
“In view of the foregoing, the interest of justice will be met by giving the matter accelerated hearing. Consequently, the application is hereby refused,” he ruled.
The court adjourned the matter until January 13 for commencement of trial.
Adamu and his co-defendants were remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre following their arraignment on a 10-count charge on December 31, 2025. They include Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose, and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed, all Bauchi State civil servants. The defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts.
The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/705/2025, was filed on December 30, 2025, by the EFCC’s lawyer, Samuel Chime.
In count one, Adamu, Sirajo Jaja (at large), Samaila Irmiya Liman (at large), Ilelah, Bose, and Mohammed were alleged to have conspired to provide $2.3 million in cash to Bello Bodejo and associates for the benefit of a proscribed terrorist group, pursuant to approvals by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
The offence is contrary to Section 26(1) and punishable under Section 21(2)(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In count three, the defendants were accused of delivering $500,000 in cash to Bodejo and associates for terrorism purposes, pursuant to approvals granted by Governor Mohammed. The offence contravenes Sections 21(3)(b) and 21(4)(a) of the same Act.
Additionally, the prosecution alleged money laundering under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, for handling funds derived from unlawful acts.
Adamu, along with Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd, is also facing a separate six-count money laundering charge involving N4.65 billion. In that case, he was granted N500 million bail with two sureties who must own property in Maitama, Asokoro, or Gwarimpa.
The charge alleges that, while acting as Branch Manager of Polaris Bank Ltd, Bauchi, Adamu and co-defendants facilitated the concealment and use of N4.65 billion ostensibly for the supply of motorcycles to Bauchi State Government, which were never delivered.
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