EFCC Drags Bauchi Finance Commissioner to Court Over $6.95m Money Laundering Allegations

EFCC Drags Bauchi Finance Commissioner to Court Over $6.95m Money Laundering Allegations

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday arraigned the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, alongside Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed before the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged money laundering and terrorism financing.

The defendants were brought before Justice Emeka Nwite on a 10-count charge bordering on conspiracy, conversion of public funds, and terrorism financing, preferred against them by the anti-graft agency.

At the hearing, prosecution counsel Samuel Chime told the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and urged that the charges, dated December 30, 2025, be read to the defendants.

According to the EFCC, Adamu, while serving as Commissioner for Finance in 2024, allegedly received cash payments totalling $6.95 million outside the banking system, contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.

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The commission further alleged that between January and May 2024, Adamu conspired with the Bauchi State Accountant-General, Sirajo Jaja, and Samaila Irmiya Liman, both said to be at large, as well as the other defendants—described as civil servants and signatories to Bauchi State Government accounts and payment instruments—to provide about $2.3 million in cash for the benefit of Bello Bodejo and persons associated with him.

The EFCC claimed the funds were released based on approvals allegedly granted by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, with reasonable grounds to believe that the money would be used, wholly or in part, to finance a terrorist or terrorist group.

According to the anti-graft agency, the alleged offences contravene Sections 2(1) and 19(1)(d) and are punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as relevant provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

All four defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them in open court.

Following the plea, Chime asked the court to fix a trial date, stating that the prosecution was ready to open its case. Defence counsel, however, informed the court that the defendants had filed separate bail applications on December 30, 2025.

The prosecution confirmed being served with the applications and disclosed that it had filed a joint counter-affidavit opposing bail.

Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to January 5, 2026, for ruling on the bail applications and ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the court’s decision.

EFCC Drags Bauchi Finance Commissioner to Court Over $6.95m Money Laundering Allegations