The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-indicted Yakubu Adamu, the Bauchi State Finance Commissioner, over terrorist financing allegations involving millions of dollars.
Adamu was produced before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, along with three others; Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed. They face a 10-count charge filed by the EFCC.
All four defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
After the statement, EFCC lawyer Samuel Chime asked the court to set a trial date so that the prosecution could present witnesses and evidence.
However, defense lawyer Gordy Uche told the court that the bail applications had already been submitted on December 30 and had been notified to the prosecution.
Chime confirmed receiving the bail applications and said the EFCC had filed a joint counter-affidavit opposing them.
While arguing for bail, Uche said the evidence presented by the prosecution did not meet the legal requirements set out in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
He told the court his clients were not directly linked to terrorist financing.
“My lord, do not be swayed by the nature of the charge. I urge you to give it a liberal view and grant them bail on liberal terms,” ​​Uche said.
He also claimed that Adamu’s arrest had disrupted the payment of salaries to about 600,000 workers in Bauchi State.
Chime opposed the application and urged the court to refuse bail, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the large sums involved. He added that Adamu is also facing another money laundering case before the same court.
Justice Nwite adjourned the case until January 5 to rule on the bail applications and ordered the accused to remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
According to the EFCC, the accused allegedly worked together to release about $2.3 million in cash to Bello Bodejo, Chairman of Miyetti Allah, and others linked to him, based on approvals allegedly given by the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.
The commission said the money was allegedly used to support terrorist activities, in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The EFCC further accused the defendants of concealing the origin of Bauchi State Government funds by sending them through exchange house operators and converting them into US dollars for illegal purposes.
Separately, Adamu is also being tried over an alleged N4.6 billion money laundering case relating to transactions made when he was a branch manager of Polaris Bank in Bauchi.