Court halts trial of Bauchi finance commissioner over prosecution request
The trial of Yakubu Adamu, Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, has been put on hold by the Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the alleged terrorism-financing case indefinitely after the prosecution wrote to the Chief Judge, seeking a transfer of the case. The defence, led by Chris Uche (SAN), criticized the prosecution for not copying them on the letter and called the move unfair. The case involves multiple charges, including terrorism financing and money laundering.
What we know
- The prosecution, led by M.O. Adebayo, wrote to the Chief Judge expressing discomfort with the case and requested a transfer.
- Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the matter sine die, pending the Chief Judge’s decision.
- Chris Uche (SAN), representing the defence, objected to the indefinite adjournment and plans to write to the Chief Judge in protest.
- The defendants, including Yakubu Adamu, face a 10-count charge related to terrorism financing and money laundering.
- 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 defendants were initially arraigned on December 31, 2025, and Adamu was granted bail in January 2026.
