A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the case involving Bauchi State’s Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, to be reassigned. The decision was made by Justice Emeka Nwite on Tuesday, following the court’s resumption from vacation. The case revolves around alleged terrorism financing involving approximately $9.7 million.
Adamu, a former Polaris Bank branch manager in Bauchi, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged terrorism financing and money laundering. He is standing trial alongside three other Bauchi State civil servants: Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose, and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed. The defendants were arraigned on December 31, 2025, and all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
On January 5, Justice Nwite denied their bail application, citing the threat the charges posed to national security and public safety. The defendants were subsequently remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, with the trial set to commence on January 13. However, when the case resumed, no representative from the EFCC appeared in court.
Defence counsel Chris Uche explained that the judge had previously stated the adjournment was due to the court sitting as a vacation court. Despite the defendants being produced from Kuje Prison and their lawyers being present, the prosecution’s absence led Justice Nwite to order the case file returned to the court registry for reassignment by the Chief Judge.
The charge alleges that the defendants conspired to provide approximately $2.3 million in cash to individuals linked to Bello Bodejo, based on approvals allegedly granted by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. The funds were reportedly used to finance a terrorist group. The reassignment of the case may impact the ongoing investigation into the alleged terrorism financing and money laundering activities.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s prosecution of high-profile cases, such as this one, underscores the agency’s commitment to combating financial crimes and terrorism financing in Nigeria. As the case proceeds, it is likely to draw attention to the country’s efforts to address these issues and ensure accountability among public officials. The reassignment of the case to a new judge is expected to facilitate a fair and timely trial, with the next steps in the proceedings to be determined by the Chief Judge’s decision.
