A Federal High Court in Abuja has refused to grant bail to Yakubu Adamu, Bauchi State Commissioner of Finance, who is standing trial over alleged terrorism financing involving $9.7 million.

The court also denied bail for three other co-defendants in the case.

Delivering the ruling on Monday, Justice Emeka Nwite noted that the offences charged against the defendants posed a serious threat to national security and public safety. He emphasised that terrorism-related offences disrupt social order, and granting pre-trial release could endanger the public.

While acknowledging the constitutional presumption of innocence under Section 36(5), Justice Nwite explained that this provision is not absolute. He cited the Supreme Court’s decision in Bamaiyi v. State (2001), noting that the nature of the offence, the evidence supporting it, and the severity of the punishment are critical considerations in bail applications.

The judge stated, “If the court is satisfied that the accused may abscond or interfere with witnesses, it is within the court’s discretion to deny bail.”

After carefully examining the affidavit evidence and statements from prosecution witnesses, including Dan Lawan Abdulmumuni, Justice Nwite held that the prosecution had successfully raised a reasonable presumption of criminal responsibility on the part of the applicants. He consequently ordered an accelerated hearing of the case and adjourned it until January 13 for trial commencement.

Background

Yakubu Adamu was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before the court on a 10-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/705/2025. He stands trial alongside Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose, and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed.

The EFCC alleged that the defendants conspired to provide $2.3 million in cash for the benefit of Bello Bodejo, president of Miyetti Allah, and associates, pursuant to approvals allegedly granted by Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed. The funds were reportedly channelled through bureau de change operators and nominees before being converted to US dollars for unlawful purposes, in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Separately, Adamu is facing trial with Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd over an alleged N4.6 billion money laundering case linked to his tenure as a branch manager at Polaris Bank, Bauchi. He was granted bail in that case in the sum of N500 million.