EFCC Charges Finance Commissioner, Officials with Terrorism Financing, Money Laundering
EFCC Charges Finance Commissioner, Officials with Terrorism Financing, Money Laundering
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally charged Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, alongside three other state officials, with terrorism financing and money laundering, in a case that has drawn national attention.
Court documents show that between late 2023 and mid‑2024, millions of dollars were allegedly paid outside official banking channels for purported “security commitments.” Some of these funds were reportedly directed to individuals and groups with alleged ties to terrorism.
The EFCC claims these actions violated Nigeria’s Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and the Terrorism (Prevention) Act.
The other defendants include Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose, and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed, all senior civil servants in Bauchi State.
Arraignment and Court Proceedings
The officials were arraigned on December 31, 2025, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a ten-count charge. EFCC’s counsel told the court that nearly $10 million had been moved off-books, with around $6.9 million allegedly received by Commissioner Adamu.
While the court granted bail in a separate money-laundering case involving N4.65 billion, Adamu remains detained over the terrorism financing charges. Justice Emeka Nwite initially denied bail for him and his co-defendants, citing the gravity of the alleged offences.
On January 13, 2026, the Federal High Court returned the terrorism financing case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment to a substantive judge. This procedural step ensures that the trial proceeds formally after being initially handled as a vacation matter.
The case has heightened political tension in Bauchi State. Governor Bala Mohammed has accused the EFCC of targeting his administration for political reasons, a claim the anti-graft agency has rejected. EFCC maintains that its actions are independent and legally grounded, insisting that no individual is above the law.
The reassignment of the case will determine how quickly the trial proceeds. Observers note that the outcome could set an important precedent for the enforcement of anti-money laundering and terrorism financing laws in Nigeria, particularly involving public officials.
ATP NEWS
