A Federal High Court sitting at Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Monday, January 5, turned down bail applications of Yakubu Adamu, Bauchi State’s Commissioner of Finance and three others. The court is presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.
The Commissioner and the three, Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed, were arraigned on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 on a ten-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing contrary to Section 2(1) and Section 19(1) (d) and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
One of the counts reads: “That you Yakubu Adamu (being Commissioner for Finance, Bauchi state Government), sometimes in the year 2024, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did receive cash payments in the sum of Six Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand United States Dollars( USD 6,950,000) otherwise than through a financial institution, and you and offence contrary to Section 2(1) and Section 19(1) (d) and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
The four, through their counsel, Chris Uche SAN, prayed the court to grant them bail, arguing that the court has jurisdiction to grant bail and that they are family men with children.
However, prosecution counsel, Chime Samuel, in a counter-motion, informed the court that the defendants are standing trial on a ten-count charge bordering on terrorism-related offences and money laundering.
“That the charge also alleges cash payment of about One Million, Eight Hundred Thousand United States Dollars ($1,800,000.00) otherwise than through a financial institution, and allegations relating to disguising the origin of funds,” the prosecution told the court.
Ruling on the bail application, Justice Nwite refused to grant bail to the defendants and ordered an accelerated hearing in the matter.
“I have also taken cognisance that terrorism related offences threaten social order and pre-trial release could endanger the public. In my view, the prosecution respondent has succeeded in raising a reasonable presumption of criminal responsibility against the applicant. In view of the foregoing, I am of the humble view, and I so hold that the interest of justice will be met by giving this matter an accelerated hearing. Consequently, the application is refused,” Justice Nwite ruled.
Justice Nwite, therefore, adjourned the matter to Tuesday, January 13, for hearing.
