BREAKING: Federal court in Abuja has refused bail for Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and three others standing trial over the alleged diversion of $9.7 million in public funds to finance terrorism.
The court ordered the defendants to remain in custody pending the conclusion of their trial.
According to the EFCC, the accused allegedly converted Bauchi State government funds into foreign currency and distributed millions of dollars in cash to a Fulani group leader and other individuals between January and May 2024. Prosecutors told the court the funds were intended to support terrorist activities.
All four defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has described the case as political retaliation linked to his refusal to join the ruling party. The EFCC insists the prosecution is strictly evidence based and not politically motivated.