A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has declined to grant bail to Yakubu Adamu, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Finance.
Gatekeepers News reports that Adamu is facing trial over alleged terrorism financing involving about $9.7 million. The court also rejected bail requests filed by three other defendants standing trial with him.
In a ruling delivered on Monday, Justice Emeka Nwite held that the charges before the court raise serious national security concerns and pose risks to public safety.
The judge ruled that terrorism-related offences threaten social stability and that granting bail at this stage could endanger the public. He, however, ordered that the case be given accelerated hearing.
While acknowledging the constitutional presumption of innocence, the judge said bail decisions must take into account the nature of the offence, the weight of evidence, and the likelihood of the defendants appearing for trial.
The judge relied on established judicial authorities to support the court’s discretion to refuse bail in cases involving grave offences.
Justice Nwite said the prosecution had placed sufficient materials before the court, including witness statements and proof of evidence, to raise reasonable grounds against the defendants.
He added that the interest of justice would be best served by speeding up the trial rather than granting pre-trial release. The matter was adjourned to January 13 for the commencement of hearing.
Adamu was arraigned by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on a 10-count charge alongside Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose, and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed.
The anti-graft agency alleged that the defendants conspired to move large sums of money allegedly meant to support terrorism-related activities, in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
According to the EFCC, the funds were allegedly routed through bureau de change operators and other intermediaries to conceal their origin.
The commission also claimed that the transactions were carried out with approvals allegedly linked to Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State.
Separately, Adamu is also facing another trial over an alleged N4.6 billion money laundering case connected to his previous role as a bank manager, in which he was earlier granted bail.
