A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the Yakubu Adamu, Bauchi State Commissioner of Finance, and three other defendants standing trial over alleged terrorism financing.
Justice Emeka Nwite on Friday, January 2, admitted Adamu to bail in the sum of ₦500 million, with two sureties in like sum. The judge, however, ordered that the defendant remain in custody at the Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Kuje, FCT, until all bail conditions are fully perfected.Nigerian Travel Packages
Justice Nwite directed that the two sureties must own landed property in Asokoro, Maitama, or Gwarinpa districts of Abuja and provide verifiable proof of ownership. He further ordered that Adamu deposit his international passport with the court and not travel outside the country without prior permission. Both the defendant and the sureties are also required to submit two recent passport photographs and swear to affidavits of means.
According to the judge, the bail conditions were imposed “to ensure the effective administration of justice.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had earlier arraigned Adamu alongside Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose, and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed on a 10-count charge bordering on conspiracy and terrorism financing involving $9.7 million.
Following their arraignment, the defendants pleaded not guilty, prompting EFCC counsel Samuel Chime to seek a trial date. Defence counsel Gordy Uche urged the court to grant bail, noting that the application had been filed since December 30 and arguing that Adamu’s detention had disrupted salary payments for over 60,000 Bauchi State workers.
The prosecution opposed the bail request through a joint counter-affidavit but confirmed it had been duly served. The court subsequently adjourned the case to January 20 for the commencement of trial.