Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has refused to grant bail to the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and three other defendants standing trial over alleged terrorism financing involving $9.7million.
In his ruling delivered on Monday, the judge said the offences alleged against the defendants pose a grave threat to national security and public safety. He stressed that terrorism related offences undermine social stability and that granting bail at the pre trial stage could expose the public to danger.
Justice Nwite explained that the court carefully considered the affidavit evidence and the proof of evidence presented by the prosecution, including witness statements, before arriving at the decision to deny bail.
He cited a Supreme Court decision in the case of Bamaiyi versus the State, which held that courts must consider the nature of the offence, the strength of the evidence and the severity of the punishment when determining bail applications.
According to the judge, the prosecution successfully raised a reasonable presumption of criminal responsibility against the defendants. He added that releasing them before trial could interfere with the administration of justice and pose risks to society.
However, the court ordered that the case be given accelerated hearing in the interest of justice.
Justice Nwite subsequently adjourned the matter until January 13 for the commencement of trial.
The defendants were earlier remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre following their arraignment on December 31, 2025 on a 10-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Yakubu Adamu, who is the first defendant, is standing trial alongside Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed. All four defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired to provide funds amounting to about $2.3million in cash to Bello Bodejo and persons associated with him, following approvals said to have been granted by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.
The funds were allegedly used to finance terrorist activities or support a proscribed terrorist group.
They were also accused of arranging the delivery of about $500,000 in cash to the same group for terrorism related purposes.
Bello Bodejo is the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
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