ABUJA – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and three state officials with terrorism financing and money laundering, alleging a scheme that funneled millions in cash outside the banking system to controversial beneficiaries, including a militia leader.
Court documents reveal that between late 2023 and July 2024, the Bauchi State Government disbursed nearly $17 million and N75 million for what it termed “security commitments.” A significant portion was allegedly delivered in cash at informal locations like restaurants and supermarkets in Abuja.
A focal point of the EFCC’s charges is the alleged payment of $2.33 million in four tranches to Bello Bodejo, the national president of the herders’ group Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore. Bodejo has previously faced terrorism charges, which were later withdrawn by the Attorney-General’s office. Court filings include statements from a cash courier who claims to have physically handed the money to Bodejo at locations including his residence—allegedly during a period when media reports suggest Bodejo was in security detention.
Commissioner Yakubu Adamu is separately accused of receiving nearly $7 million in cash through similar off-book deliveries. The EFCC alleges these transactions violate money laundering laws by occurring outside financial institutions.
Governor Bala Mohammed, who enjoys immunity, has accused the EFCC of acting at the behest of a political rival, a claim the anti-graft agency has dismissed as “wild” and “mischievous.”
A Federal High Court judge denied the defendants bail on January 6, citing the gravity of the allegations and compelling evidence. The trial is set to commence on January 13, potentially unveiling further details of the alleged financial pipeline.
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Disclaimer:
This report is based on EFCC court filings, charge sheets, and documented statements. The allegations are presently before a court of law, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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