Bauchi Finance Commissioner Granted N500m Bail In EFCC Money Laundering Case
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, in connection with a money laundering case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on Friday, set Adamu’s bail at N500 million. He ordered the commissioner to present two sureties who own property in Maitama, Asokoro, or Gwarinpa in the Federal Capital Territory, and required the sureties to swear affidavits of means.
The court also directed Adamu to surrender his international passport and barred him from leaving the country without the court’s permission. He will remain in custody until all bail conditions are fully met.
Adamu faces trial alongside Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/694/2025. He was arraigned on six counts of money laundering, while two companies, including Ayab Agro Products, were also named as co-defendants.
The EFCC alleged that the defendants diverted funds intended for the supply of motorcycles to the Bauchi State Government. The agency claimed that although the contract was not executed, the money was later transferred to several individuals and entities, despite the defendants allegedly knowing that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity. The offence is said to contravene Section 21(a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
All defendants pleaded not guilty. Adamu’s lawyer, Gordy Uche, SAN, urged the court to grant bail, while EFCC counsel, Samuel Chime, opposed the application and requested an accelerated hearing.
Justice Nwite ruled that the offences are bailable and fixed January 20 for the commencement of trial. Meanwhile, the court ordered that Adamu be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre ahead of Monday’s hearing on his bail application in a separate terrorism-related case.
The EFCC also revealed that Emmanuel Asomugha General Enterprises was originally awarded the motorcycle supply contract by the Bauchi State Government.
