A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, in an ongoing money laundering case filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling delivered on Friday, set the bail at N500 million and directed that Adamu must present two sureties who own property in Maitama, Asokoro or Gwarinpa areas of the Federal Capital Territory. The court ordered the sureties to depose to affidavits of means to confirm their financial capacity.
As part of the bail conditions, the judge instructed Adamu to deposit his international passport with the court and restrained him from travelling outside the country without prior approval. He is to remain in custody until all conditions attached to the bail are fully satisfied.
Adamu is standing trial alongside Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd in a case with suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/694/2025. The EFCC arraigned the commissioner on six counts bordering on money laundering, with two companies listed as co-defendants in the matter.
The anti-graft agency alleged that the defendants diverted public funds earmarked for the procurement of motorcycles for the Bauchi State Government. According to the EFCC, the contract was allegedly not executed, yet the funds were transferred to several individuals and corporate entities, despite claims that the defendants knew the money was derived from unlawful activity.
The commission stated that the alleged acts violate Section 21(a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and are punishable under the same law.
At the arraignment, all defendants entered pleas of not guilty. While Adamu’s lawyer, Gordy Uche, SAN, asked the court to admit his client to bail, EFCC counsel, Samuel Chime, opposed the request and sought an accelerated trial.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite noted that bail is at the discretion of the court and emphasized that the offences charged are bailable. He subsequently adjourned the matter to January 20 for the commencement of trial.
The court also ordered that Adamu be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending Monday, when his bail application in a separate terrorism-related case will be considered.
Meanwhile, the EFCC disclosed that its investigation revealed that Emmanuel Asomugha General Enterprises was initially awarded the motorcycle supply contract by the Bauchi State Government.
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