Court denies bail to Bauchi Finance Commissioner, others over alleged $9.7m terror financing

The Federal High Court in Abuja has refused bail to the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and his co-defendants over allegations of financing terrorism to the tune of $9.7 million.

Justice Emeka Nwite, delivering his ruling on Monday, held that the offences alleged against the defendants pose a grave threat to national security and public safety, making their release pending trial inappropriate.

The judge ruled that terrorism-related offences undermine social order and that granting bail at this stage could endanger the public.

While acknowledging the constitutional presumption of innocence under Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution, Justice Nwite said the provision is not absolute and must be weighed against other critical considerations.

“I am not unmindful of the constitutional provision which presumes every accused person innocent until proven guilty,” the judge said.

“However, in the consideration of an application for bail, all relevant factors must be taken into account.”

Citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Bamaiyi v. State (2001), Justice Nwite said courts are required to consider the nature of the offence, the strength of the evidence, and the severity of the punishment upon conviction when determining bail applications.

He stressed that such factors could not be ignored, particularly in cases involving terrorism.

The judge noted that the court had carefully reviewed the affidavit evidence and proof of evidence filed by the prosecution, including statements from key witnesses such as Dan Lawan Abdulmumuni.

According to him, the prosecution successfully raised a reasonable presumption of criminal responsibility against the defendants.

“I have taken cognisance of the grave threat to national security and public safety which this case poses,” Justice Nwite said, adding that terrorism-related charges require heightened caution.

He concluded that the interests of justice would be better served through an accelerated hearing rather than granting bail.

“In view of the foregoing, the application is hereby refused,” the judge ruled.

Justice Nwite subsequently adjourned the matter to January 13 for the commencement of trial.