Terrorism case: Court refuses bail for Bauchi finance commissioner, others
By Ranti Thomas
The Federal High Court in Abuja has turned down a bail request submitted by the Bauchi State Commissioner of Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and three others who are being prosecuted over an alleged $9.7 million terrorism financing case.
Justice Emeka Nwite, while delivering his ruling, said the allegations before the court are weighty and touch on issues of national security. He stressed that terrorism-related cases pose serious risks to public safety and social stability, making it unsafe to grant bail at this stage.
Justice Nwite relied on a 2001 Supreme Court decision in Bamaiyi v. State, where the apex court held that judges must consider the nature of the offence, the strength of the evidence and the likely punishment when deciding bail applications.
He explained that although the criminal justice system provides safeguards for the prosecution, the accused and victims, bail can only be granted where there is strong assurance that the defendants will not abscond or interfere with witnesses.
The judge said he carefully reviewed the affidavits and proof of evidence before the court, including statements from prosecution witnesses such as Dan Lawan Abdulmumuni. He added that the prosecution had, at this stage, established a reasonable presumption of criminal responsibility against the defendants.
According to him, the interest of justice would be better served by giving the matter accelerated hearing rather than granting bail. He therefore dismissed the bail application and ordered a speedy trial.
The case was adjourned to January 13 for the commencement of trial.
Adamu and the other defendants were earlier remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, following their arraignment on December 31, 2025, on a 10-count charge. The court had fixed January 5 for ruling on their bail applications.
The Commissioner was arraigned alongside Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed. All four defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/705/2025, was filed on December 30, 2025, by EFCC counsel, Samuel Chime.
According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly conspired to provide a total of $2.3 million in cash to Bello Bodejo and persons linked to him, following approvals allegedly granted by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed. The funds were said to have been used, in whole or in part, to finance a terrorist group.
They were also accused of arranging the delivery of an additional $500,000 in cash to the same individuals for terrorism-related purposes and for the benefit of a proscribed terrorist group.
The alleged offences are said to be contrary to relevant provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Bello Bodejo is identified as the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.