The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned indefinitely the alleged terrorism-financing case against Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu.
Justice Mohammed Umar ordered the adjournment after informing the court that the prosecution, led by M.O. Adebayo, had written to the Chief Judge expressing discomfort with the handling of the matter and requesting that the case be reassigned to another judge.
According to the court, the Chief Judge had yet to respond to the letter.
Defence counsel, Chris Uche (SAN), expressed surprise at the development, arguing that any communication to the chief jhudge or the presiding judge should have been copied to the defence for input.
He described the move as “unfair,” saying the defence’s right to be heard had been undermined by the prosecution’s failure to notify them.
Uche also urged the court to release Adamu’s passport to enable him travel, stating that the commissioner was part of a high-powered delegation overseeing Hajj preparations in Bauchi State.
Justice Umar, however, explained that the matter had become administrative rather than judicial, noting that he could not continue hearing the case in light of the prosecution’s letter. He subsequently adjourned the matter sine die pending a decision from the Chief Judge.
While the prosecution asked for an indefinite adjournment pending reassignment, the defence objected, arguing that without a definite date, the case risked stalling indefinitely.
Allegations
Adamu and three others are facing a 10-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/705/2025.
The prosecution alleged that between January and May 2024, the defendants conspired to channel millions of dollars in Bauchi State Government funds to individuals allegedly linked to terrorist elements.
The charges are said to contravene provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The defendants were initially arraigned on December 31, 2025, before Emeka Nwite, who sat as a vacation judge, and pleaded not guilty.
In January 2026, Adamu was granted bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum.
The court ordered that the sureties must own landed property in Maitama, Asokoro, or Gwarimpa districts of Abuja, subject to verification by the court registry, and must depose to an affidavit of means before the case file was returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
