An Abuja Federal High Court has granted bail to Bauchi Finance Commissioner Yakubu Adamu over alleged terrorism financing, imposing strict conditions ahead of trial.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, who is standing trial in connection with an alleged terrorism financing scheme involving millions of dollars.
The decision, delivered on Friday, January 2, by Justice Emeka Nwite, marks a significant development in the high-profile terrorism financing trial being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Nwite admitted Adamu to bail in the sum of ₦500 million, with the condition that he provides two sureties who must each guarantee the same amount.
Despite the bail approval, the court ordered that the commissioner should remain in custody at the Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Kuje, Abuja, until all the stipulated conditions are fully satisfied.
In delivering the ruling, the judge outlined stringent requirements designed to ensure the defendant’s availability throughout the terrorism financing trial.
He directed that the proposed sureties must own landed property within Abuja’s high-value districts of Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarinpa.
The court further insisted that ownership documents be verified and submitted for scrutiny.
Justice Nwite also ordered Adamu to surrender his international passport to the court, effectively restricting him from travelling outside Nigeria without express judicial approval.
Both the defendant and his sureties were mandated to submit two recent passport photographs each and swear affidavits of means, affirming their financial capacity to meet the bail obligations.
According to the court, the bail terms were deliberately strict in view of the nature of the charges and the need to preserve the integrity of the judicial process.
Justice Nwite stressed that the conditions were not punitive but necessary to guarantee the smooth conduct of the terrorism financing trial and prevent any interference with the proceedings.
Yakubu Adamu was arraigned by the EFCC alongside three other defendants — Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose, and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed.
The anti-graft agency accused the quartet of conspiracy and terrorism financing in a 10-count charge involving an alleged sum of $9.7 million.
The EFCC claims the funds were linked to activities capable of undermining national security.
At their arraignment, all four defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, setting the stage for a full trial.
Following the plea, EFCC counsel Samuel Chime requested the court to fix a date for the commencement of hearing, indicating the prosecution’s readiness to present its case.
Defence counsel, Gordy Uche, however, urged the court to exercise its discretion in favour of granting bail to Adamu.
He informed the court that the bail application had been filed since December 30 and argued that the prolonged detention of the Bauchi State Commissioner was already having far-reaching consequences on governance.
Uche told the court that Adamu’s absence from office had disrupted key financial operations in Bauchi State, particularly the processing and payment of salaries to more than 60,000 civil servants.
He maintained that the commissioner posed no flight risk and would remain available to face trial, urging the court not to allow administrative paralysis in the state as a result of the terrorism financing trial.
The prosecution opposed the bail application through a joint counter-affidavit, arguing that the gravity of the offence warranted continued detention.
However, EFCC counsel confirmed to the court that the defence had been duly served with all necessary processes, clearing procedural hurdles for the ruling.
After weighing submissions from both sides, Justice Nwite ruled that bail could be granted, subject to strict compliance with the outlined conditions.
The court thereafter adjourned the matter to January 20 for the commencement of trial, when the EFCC is expected to begin calling witnesses.
The case has continued to attract public attention, given Adamu’s position as a serving state commissioner and the sensitive nature of terrorism-related allegations.
Legal analysts note that the outcome of the terrorism financing trial could have broader implications for public office holders and the enforcement of anti-terrorism laws in Nigeria.
Observers also point out that while bail is a constitutional right, courts are increasingly imposing tougher conditions in cases involving national security and financial crimes.
The ruling, therefore, reflects a judicial balancing act between individual liberty and the wider interest of justice.
As the trial date approaches, all eyes will be on the Federal High Court in Abuja to see how the EFCC substantiates its claims and how the defence responds to the allegations in what promises to be a closely watched legal battle.
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