Alleged Terrorism Financing: Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Seeks Judge’s Removal, Case Adjourned Indefinitely
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a formal petition against Justice Mohammed Umar of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, requesting his disqualification from an ongoing terrorism financing case.
In a petition addressed to the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, the anti-graft agency stated that it no longer has confidence in Justice Umar’s ability to preside over the matter impartially. The EFCC is seeking the reassignment of the case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/705/2025.
Defendants and Charges
The case involves Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, alongside three civil servants—Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose, and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed.
Adamu, a former manager at Polaris Bank Plc, was arraigned on December 31, 2025, on a 10-count charge bordering on conspiracy, conversion of public funds, and alleged terrorism financing under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly carried out cash transactions worth about $9.7 million outside formal financial systems. The commission further alleged that between January and May 2024, the accused, in collaboration with others including the Bauchi State Accountant-General, Sirajo Jaja (currently at large), disbursed $2.3 million in cash to Bello Bodejo and his associates.
Bodejo, president of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, had earlier been arrested and charged by the federal government over alleged terrorism-related activities, although the charges were later withdrawn in May 2024.
EFCC Raises Concerns Over Bail Decision
In its petition, the EFCC faulted Justice Umar’s decision to grant bail to the defendants despite the gravity of the allegations and a counter-affidavit opposing their release. The agency noted that the defendants had previously been denied bail by another judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, before the case was reassigned.
Justice Umar had granted each defendant bail in the sum of ₦100 million with two sureties, ordering them to surrender their international passports, restrict travel, and report weekly to the Bauchi office of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Judge Steps Aside, Case Put on Hold
At the latest hearing, Justice Umar announced his decision to temporarily step aside from the case pending a ruling by the Chief Judge on the EFCC’s petition. He subsequently adjourned proceedings indefinitely.
Despite attempts by defence counsel, led by Chief Chris Uche (SAN), to proceed with the trial, the judge maintained that his decision was necessary in the interest of justice.
Broader Allegations
The EFCC also alleged that the funds in question were disbursed with the approval of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, and were knowingly handed over for activities linked to terrorism.
Prosecutors further revealed that several individuals connected to the case remain at large.
All defendants have pleaded not guilty and were granted bail pending the determination of the case, which now awaits further administrative action from the Chief Judge.
