The bail application of the Commissioner for Finance in Bauchi State, Mr Yakubu Adamu, has been turned down by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja.
His request for bail was rejected on Monday, January 5, 2026, alongside three others; Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed.
The defendants, had, through their counsel, Mr Chris Uche (SAN), prayed the court to grant bail to them on the grounds that the court has jurisdiction to grant bail and that they are family men with children.
In a counter application, prosecution counsel, Mr Chime Samuel, informed the court that the defendants are standing trial before the court on a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism-related offences and money laundering.
Delivering ruling on the bail application, Justice Nwite refused to grant bail to the defendants and ordered an accelerated hearing on the matter.
“I have also taken cognizance that terrorism related offenses threatens social order and pre-trial release could endanger the public.
“In my view, the prosecution respondent have succeeded in raising a reasonable presumption of criminal responsibility on the part of the applicant, in view of the forgoing, I am of the humble view and I so hold that the interest of justice will be met by giving this matter accelerated hearing, consequently, the application is refused,” he said, and then adjourned the matter to Tuesday, January 13, 2026, for hearing.
The accused persons were arraigned on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing contrary to Section 2(1) and Section 19(1) (d) and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
“That you Yakubu Adamu (being Commissioner for Finance, Bauchi state Government), sometimes in the year 2024, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did receive cash payments in the sum of $6,950,000 otherwise than through a financial institution, and you and offence contrary to Section 2(1) and Section 19(1) (d) and punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022,” one of the charges read.