Court Orders EFCC to Produce Finance Commissioner for Arraignment

Court Orders EFCC to Produce Finance Commissioner for Arraignment

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to produce the Bauchi State Commissioner of Finance, Yakubu Adamu, in court on December 30 for his arraignment over alleged money laundering amounting to ₦4.65 billion.
The order was issued by the presiding judge following the EFCC’s failure to present the defendant for arraignment despite earlier court proceedings in the matter. The court expressed concern over delays in the prosecution of the case and stressed the need for due process to be followed without unnecessary obstruction.
Yakubu Adamu is accused of being involved in the laundering of public funds allegedly diverted through several financial transactions linked to Bauchi State government accounts. According to the anti-graft agency, the alleged offences violate provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
The EFCC had filed charges against the commissioner but was unable to proceed with the arraignment due to his absence in court, prompting the judge to issue a firm directive compelling the agency to ensure his appearance on the next adjourned date.
Legal analysts note that the court’s order underscores the judiciary’s growing impatience with procedural delays in high-profile corruption cases, especially those involving public officials.
The case has attracted significant public attention, as it forms part of the EFCC’s broader efforts to tackle financial crimes and promote accountability in public service. All eyes will now be on December 30, when the commissioner is expected to be formally arraigned and the charges read in open court.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Bauchi State Government nor Yakubu Adamu has issued an official statement in response to the court order.