Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — Intense political pressure has mounted on the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, as calls grow for his resignation amid a high-profile investigation into an alleged N4.6 billion fraud scheme. The demands from the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) coincide with a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja instructing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to produce Adamu in court for arraignment, underscoring both legal and political dimensions of the unfolding scandal.
The controversy stems from a six-count money laundering charge that the EFCC filed against Adamu and a company, Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd, late last week. The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/694/2025, alleges that Adamu, while serving as branch manager of Polaris Bank in Bauchi between June and December 2023, conspired with others to launder funds purportedly advanced to finance the supply of motorcycles to the Bauchi State Government — motorcycles that were allegedly never delivered. Prosecutors allege the defendants converted, transferred and concealed about N4.65 billion through a network of transactions and third-party accounts, including transfers to the co-defendant company. The offences are said to violate provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
On Wednesday, Federal High Court Justice Emeka Nwite admonished EFCC lawyers after the finance commissioner was not brought before the court to take his plea. The judge ordered that Adamu be produced on the next adjourned date, warning that failure to comply could attract sanctions against the prosecution. Justice Nwite’s rebuke came amid arguments over the prosecution’s request to amend the charges to include suspects still at large — a request challenged by defence counsel who maintained that Adamu could take his plea on the existing charge sheet.
The absence of the defendant in court has now amplified tensions. Justice Nwite expressed frustration at what he described as unprofessional conduct by the EFCC, questioning why charges were filed if the prosecution was not fully prepared to proceed with arraignment. The matter has been adjourned to December 30 for continuation, with the court’s firm directive that Adamu must be present.
Political fallout from the alleged fraud has been swift. Supporters of the PRP have publicly called for the immediate resignation of Yakubu Adamu from his position as the state’s finance commissioner. Party officials argue that the seriousness of the allegations — involving billions in public funds — undermines public confidence in the administration and warrants decisive political accountability even as legal processes continue. The PRP’s appeal on social media emphasised that public trust and fiscal integrity should be prioritised, though detailed comments from party leadership have yet to be formally issued.
The PRP’s position reflects growing public unease about alleged corruption among public officials, particularly those entrusted with managing state resources. Such sentiments have been fuelled by broader debates over governance and accountability in Nigeria, where anti-graft agencies like the EFCC have increasingly targeted high-profile figures in recent years. While no official government response to the PRP’s call has been published, the political pressure adds a layer of complexity to an already contentious legal battle.
Legal experts observing the case note that the court’s insistence on Adamu’s production underscores fundamental principles of due process, particularly the accused’s right to face charges and enter a plea. Courts have repeatedly held that filing charges without bringing the defendant before the bench for arraignment can undermine the integrity of criminal proceedings, prompting stern admonitions from judges in similar high-stakes cases.
From a governance perspective, the allegations have ignited concerns about the effectiveness of internal controls in state financial management. Bauchi State employs thousands of civil servants whose regular payments depend on sound fiscal oversight. Defense counsel in court argued that Adamu’s continued detention had hampered the state’s ability to operate effectively, with reports that a significant workforce had not received salaries during the period of his absence. This argument was part of a broader plea for procedural fairness and expedited court processes.
The EFCC, for its part, has maintained that its investigation is thorough and conducted in line with statutory mandates. Counsel for the commission noted the intention to amend the charges to ensure that all implicated parties are arraigned together, a procedural tactic the prosecution says serves the interests of unified justice. However, the court’s sharp response suggests judicial impatience with delays perceived to be caused by tactical manoeuvring rather than a genuine readiness to proceed.
Public reaction to the case has been mixed, with some Nigerians applauding robust anti-corruption efforts while others express concern about the potential for selective enforcement. Civil society commentators argue that consistent and impartial application of the law is essential to restore citizen trust in public institutions and bolster confidence in anti-graft mechanisms. The PRP’s vocal stance may amplify these conversations, particularly as the 2027 electoral cycle approaches, and public integrity becomes an increasingly salient issue for voters.
The circumstances surrounding the Bauchi finance commissioner’s alleged offences coincide with a broader national environment where corruption prosecutions have become highly visible. Anti-graft campaigns have ensnared sitting officials, former officeholders, and private sector actors, reflecting sustained efforts by regulatory and judicial authorities to confront entrenched financial misconduct. Critics, however, caution that such efforts must be accompanied by institutional reforms that ensure transparency and reduce opportunities for misuse of public funds.
As the next court date approaches, attention will remain fixed on whether the EFCC complies fully with the order to produce Adamu, and how both legal and political actors respond to mounting pressures. The December 30 arraignment could prove pivotal in clarifying the trajectory of the case and determining whether the accused will be formally tried, bail conditions will be set, and the broader implications for governance accountability in Bauchi State will be addressed.
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