A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has denied bail to the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and three other defendants facing trial over the alleged diversion of public funds to finance terrorism.
The court ordered that the four defendants remain in custody pending the conclusion of their trial.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the accused allegedly diverted Bauchi State government funds amounting to $9.7 million and converted the money into foreign currency.
Prosecutors told the court that between January and May 2024, millions of dollars in cash were allegedly distributed to a Fulani group leader and other individuals, with the funds purportedly intended to support terrorist activities.
All four defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Reacting to the development, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, described the case as an act of political retaliation, linking it to his refusal to join the ruling party. The EFCC, however, maintained that the prosecution is strictly evidence-based and not politically motivated.
The case has been adjourned, and the trial is set to continue.