Money Laundering Case: Court Orders Bauchi Commissioner Back to Custody

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, at the Kuje Correctional Centre, pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.

Justice Emeka Nwite granted Adamu bail in the sum of ₦500 million with two sureties but directed that he remain in custody until all conditions are perfected. The court ruled that the sureties must be landowners within Maitama, Asokoro, or Gwarimpa in the Federal Capital Territory, with their property documents subject to verification by the court registry. The sureties are also required to swear affidavits of means.

In addition, the judge ordered Adamu and his sureties to deposit their international passports with the court registrar and prohibited them from travelling outside the country without prior court approval. Two passport photographs are also to be submitted.

Justice Nwite explained that the court exercised its discretion to grant bail because the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence that the defendant would abscond or interfere with the trial. He stressed that the power to grant bail must be applied judicially and judiciously.

The case was adjourned until January 20 for the commencement of trial.
Adamu is facing charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission alongside Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd in a case involving alleged money laundering of approximately ₦4.6 billion. According to the prosecution, Adamu and others allegedly conspired between June and December 2023 to facilitate the conversion, transfer, and concealment of funds released under the pretext of financing the supply of motorcycles to the Bauchi State Government motorcycles that were reportedly never delivered.

Further allegations include the transfer and retention of proceeds from the alleged unlawful activity through third-party accounts, including a transfer of ₦165.9 million to Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd.

The offences are said to contravene the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Adamu and the company pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge at their arraignment on December 30, 2025.

Separately, Adamu and three other Bauchi State officials are also standing trial before the same court over alleged terrorism financing involving $9.7 million.