By our Reporter
The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected the bail application of Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and his co-defendants, who face allegations of financing terrorism to the tune of $9.7 million. Justice Emeka Nwite ruled on Monday that the charges posed serious threats to national security and public safety, stressing that releasing the defendants could endanger society.
While noting that Section 36(5) of the Constitution presumes innocence until proven guilty, Justice Nwite said this principle is not absolute in terrorism-related cases. Citing the Supreme Court’s 2001 ruling in Bamaiyi v. The State, he emphasized that courts must consider the nature of the offence, the evidence, and the potential punishment when deciding bail.
The judge stated that the court evaluated affidavit evidence, prosecution witness statements, and the significant threat to social order, concluding that a reasonable presumption of criminal responsibility exists. He ordered an accelerated hearing and refused bail, adjourning the trial to January 13.
Adamu and co-defendants — Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose, and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed — were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre after pleading not guilty to a 10-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on December 31, 2025. The allegations involve conspiracy to provide $2.3 million to Bello Bodejo and associates, reportedly approved by Governor Bala Mohammed.
Separately, Adamu was granted bail in another money-laundering case, set at N500 million with two sureties, whose property in Abuja’s Maitama, Asokoro, or Gwarimpa districts must be verified by the court registry.
The ruling highlights the judiciary’s strict approach to terrorism-related offences and prioritization of public safety over pre-trial release.
