Bauchi commissioner accused of financing terrorism gets bail

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the Bauchi State Commissioner of Finance, Yakubu Adamu and three others, who are facing charges bordering on terrorism financing.

Justice Emeka Nwite on Friday granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500 million and two sureties in like sum.

However, Justice Nwite directed that the defendant be held at the Nigerian Correctional Service centre in Kuje, FCT until he perfects the bail terms.

The judge ordered that the two sureties must own landed property in Asokoro, Maitama or Gwarinpa districts of Abuja and provide proof of ownership to the court.

The judge further directed that Adamu deposit his passport with the court and not travel abroad without permission, and that he and his sureties provide two recent passport photographs.

While directing that the sureties must swear to affidavit of means before the court, the judge said the bail conditions were designed to ensure the effective administration of justice.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday arraigned Adamu, alongside Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed in connection with the allegations of terrorism financing worth $9.7 million.

After the arraignment, the judge ordered the remand of the defendants at the Nigerian Correctional Service custodial service in Kuje, FCT pending the hearing of the case on January 5.

After the defendants pleaded not guilty, EFCC’s lawyer, Samuel Chime, sought a trial date to enable them present their witnesses and evidence in the case.

However, defence counsel, Gordy Uche (SAN) requested the court to grant them bail, noting that the application was filed on December 30 and served on the prosecution.

He added that the commissioner’s continued detention had affected the salary payment for over 60,000 Bauchi State workers.

Chime, who acknowledged the receipt of the bail applications, said a joint counter affidavit had been filed to oppose the request.

When the judge asked if the facts in the motions were the same, the defence lawyer explained that all the facts were the same except the averment that defendants Ilelah, Bose and Mohammed were arrested after they voluntarily honoured the anti-graft agency’s invitation.

The EFCC arraigned the defendants on a 10-count charge. Adamu was alleged to have between January and May 2024 while being Accountant-General of Bauchi State conspired with Samaila Irmiya Liman Balarabe Ilelah, Aminu Bose and Kabiru Mohammed (all being civil servants) to provide the sum of $2.3 million for the benefit of Bello Bodejo and persons associated with him, pursuant to approvals allegedly granted by Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.

The matter was adjourned to 20 January for commencement of trial.

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