National security trumps bail—Federal High Court in Abuja shot down pleas from Bauchi Finance Commissioner Yakubu Adamu and co-defendants Monday, over bombshell $9.7m terrorism financing charges. Trial speeds up Jan 13.
Justice Emeka Nwite ruled: These offenses wreck public safety and social order—pre-trial release? Too risky. He balanced innocence presumption (Section 36(5)) with harsh realities: nature of crime, evidence strength, punishment severity (citing 2001 Bamaiyi case). Prosecution’s proof, witness statements like Dan Lawan Abdulmumuni’s? Raises “reasonable presumption” of guilt.
Adamu (1st defendant), civil servants Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose, Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed—remanded at Kuje since Dec 31 arraignment on 10 counts (EFCC’s FHC/ABJ/CR/705/2025). All pleaded not guilty.
Key accusations: Between Jan-May 2024, they conspired to funnel $2.3m+ cash to Bello Bodejo (Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore prez) and associates—approved by Gov Bala Mohammed—for terror acts (vs Terrorism Act 2022). Count 3: $500k delivery to proscribed group, money laundering ties (vs Money Laundering Act 2022).
Adamu’s got heat elsewhere: N4.6bn laundering via fake motorcycle deals at Polaris Bank (bailed N500m Friday), but terror case? No dice.
Judge orders fast-track hearing—justice for all sides.
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