A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and three others standing trial over an alleged $9.7 million terrorism financing scheme.
Justice Mohammed Umar ordered each defendant to deposit ₦100 million, with two senior civil service sureties—a serving permanent secretary and a director.
The court also directed them to surrender their international passports, seek permission before traveling, and report weekly to the DSS office in Bauchi.
The case was adjourned to March 26 for hearing.
The defendants—Adamu, Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose, and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed—were arraigned in December 2025 on ten counts bordering on conspiracy, money laundering, and terrorism financing. A previous bail request was denied on national security grounds.
The Federal Government alleges that between January and May 2024, the accused handled large cash transactions outside financial institutions, including $2.3 million allegedly given to Bello Bodejo, president of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, who was earlier linked to terrorism-related activities. Prosecutors claim the funds were released with knowledge they could support terrorist operations.
Justice Umar ruled that the prosecution failed to show concrete evidence that the defendants posed a flight risk, justifying bail pending trial. The defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
