The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has once again arraigned Yakubu Adamu, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, over allegations bordering on terrorism financing involving millions of dollars.

Adamu appeared before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday alongside three co-defendants — Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed. The four are facing a 10-count charge instituted by the EFCC.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following the plea, EFCC counsel, Samuel Chime, requested that the court fix a date for trial to allow the prosecution present its witnesses and evidence.

In response, defence counsel Gordy Uche informed the court that bail applications had already been filed on December 30 and duly served on the prosecution. Chime confirmed receipt of the applications, adding that the EFCC had submitted a joint counter-affidavit opposing bail.

Arguing in support of bail, Uche maintained that the prosecution’s evidence failed to satisfy the requirements of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. He insisted that his clients were not directly connected to any terrorism financing activities.

“My lord, I urge the court not to be swayed by the nature of the charge but to take a liberal view and grant bail on liberal terms,” Uche submitted.

He further claimed that Adamu’s continued detention had negatively affected salary payments to approximately 600,000 workers in Bauchi State.

Opposing the application, Chime urged the court to deny bail, citing the gravity of the allegations and the substantial sums involved. He also noted that Adamu is facing a separate money laundering charge before the same court.

Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to January 5 for a ruling on the bail applications and ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly collaborated to release about $2.3 million in cash to Bello Bodejo, the president of Miyetti Allah, and others linked to him, based on approvals said to have been granted by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.

The funds were allegedly used to finance terrorist activities, contrary to the provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The commission also accused the defendants of concealing the origin of Bauchi State government funds by channeling them through bureau de change operators and converting the money into US dollars for unlawful purposes.

Separately, Adamu is also standing trial over an alleged N4.6 billion money laundering case connected to transactions carried out during his tenure as a branch manager of Polaris Bank in Bauchi.