The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail of ₦100 million each to the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and his co-defendants over alleged $9.7 million terrorism financing charges.
Justice Mohammed Umar, in his ruling, held that the defendants provided sufficient material to justify the court’s discretion in granting bail. He ordered each defendant to present two sureties, who must be a Permanent Secretary and a Director in the civil service.
The court further directed the defendants to deposit their international passports with the court registry and to report weekly to the Department of State Services (DSS) office in Bauchi every Monday until the conclusion of the trial.
Justice Umar adjourned the case to February 26 for the commencement of trial.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 10-count charge of terrorism financing and money laundering against Adamu and three others — Balarabe Ilelah, Aminu Bose, and Kabiru Mohammed, all senior Bauchi State civil servants.
The defendants were earlier denied bail in December by Justice Emeka Nwite, who cited national security concerns. However, following the reassignment of the case, the defendants filed a fresh bail application before Justice Umar.
Their counsel, Chris Uche (SAN), argued that new facts had emerged, including that Bello Bodejo, alleged to be linked to the case, was never convicted of terrorism and that charges against him were withdrawn and dismissed in May 2024. He also noted the absence of any official proscription of Bodejo or his organization under the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2022.
Justice Umar agreed and granted bail pending trial.
