A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, ordered that the case file in the alleged $9.7 million terrorism-financing trial involving the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment to a substantive judge.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who was handling the matter during the court’s vacation period, directed that the file be remitted to the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, on the grounds that it was a vacation court matter and should now proceed before a permanent trial judge.
The decision comes nearly two weeks after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Adamu and three co-defendants on a 10-count charge alleging terrorism financing, conspiracy, and related money-laundering offences in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Adamu, alongside Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose, and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them during their arraignment on 31 December 2025.
One of the charges alleges that Adamu, while serving as Bauchi’s finance commissioner in 2024, received USD 6,950,000 in cash outside the banking system — a violation of anti-money-laundering provisions. The anti-graft agency also alleges that between January and May 2024, the defendants conspired to provide approximately USD 2,300,000 in cash for the benefit of Bello Bodejo — president of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore — with reasonable grounds to suspect the funds would be used to finance a terrorist group, a charge that contravenes the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
On 5 January 2026, Justice Nwite refused bail to Adamu and his three co-defendants, ruling that the alleged offences posed a threat to national security and public safety, and ordered their continued remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the start of trial. He also directed an accelerated hearing of the matter.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, defence counsel Chief Chris Uche, SAN, told the court that his clients were ready for the commencement of trial. The EFCC, meanwhile, introduced Adebayo Ojo as new prosecuting counsel in the case.
The matter is now set to be reassigned to a substantive judge for further proceedings in the trial.
Recall that media reports show that a review of official records and court filings points to an alleged scheme in which funds meant for public development in Bauchi State were allegedly diverted through informal and opaque channels.
Documents show that between late 2023 and July 2024, the Bauchi State Government allegedly moved millions of dollars outside the formal banking system under the pretext of meeting unspecified “security obligations.” Much of the money was reportedly disbursed in cash through intermediaries, bypassing standard financial procedures.
According to testimony given to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), funds were handed out at informal locations in Abuja, including eateries and private residences, without beneficiaries signing acknowledgements or providing documentation.
Government records list several recipients, including Bello Bodejo, a leader of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore. Despite facing multiple arrests and terrorism-related charges in 2024—later withdrawn without explanation—records indicate that Mr Bodejo received about $2.33 million in four instalments over a four-month period.
In July 2024, Bauchi State’s Accountant-General, Sa’idu Abubakar, reportedly sought retrospective approval for payments already made, accounting for nearly $17 million and ₦75.2 million disbursed to various individuals.
On 30 December 2025, the EFCC charged the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and three other officials with terrorism financing and money laundering. Prosecutors allege the officials authorised payments to Mr Bodejo and others, with nearly $7 million allegedly laundered through the scheme.
The defendants were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on 31 December 2025. The court denied bail, citing the gravity of the allegations and the strength of the prosecution’s case. Court filings suggest the operation involved billions of naira drawn from the state treasury and distributed outside recognised financial institutions over the 2023–2024 period.
