Abuja Court Blocks Bauchi Finance Commissioner’s Hajj Trip Over Money Laundering Charges
A Federal High Court in Abuja has denied Yakubu Adamu, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, permission to travel to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage. Justice Emeka Nwite ruled on Monday that Adamu, who faces a N4.6 billion money laundering charge, did not provide sufficient evidence to justify the request.
The judge upheld an objection from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that the supporting affidavit for Adamu’s application was defective because it was not signed by the applicant himself. Justice Nwite stated that an unsigned document holds no probative value in law and fails to meet mandatory legal procedures.
While acknowledging the constitutional rights of the accused, the judge clarified that such rights are not absolute. He distinguished Adamu’s case from a previous precedent cited by his lawyer (the Ibori case), noting that the earlier ruling was based on medical grounds, not religious pilgrimage.
Adamu had filed a motion seeking the release of his international passport, which he deposited as part of his bail conditions, to enable the trip. In his affidavit, he argued that performing Hajj is a fundamental Islamic rite and pledged to return the passport and attend trial after March 21.
The EFCC opposed the application, arguing the Hajj request was an attempt to delay proceedings. The court’s refusal means Adamu remains subject to his bail conditions, which include a N500 million bond with sureties.
Adamu and a company, Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd, are charged with conspiracy, money laundering, and converting approximately N4.65 billion alleged to be proceeds from a fraudulent Polaris Bank loan for motorcycle supply to Bauchi State. They pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge filed in December 2025.
Separately, Adamu and three others face another charge of alleged terrorism financing involving $9.7 million, a case that has been adjourned indefinitely following a request by the EFCC for a transfer to another judge.
The court’s decision underscores the judicial balance between an accused person’s rights and the requirements of ongoing criminal prosecution, particularly in high-profile financial crime cases where flight risk is a consideration. The trial before Justice Nwite is expected to continue.
