Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
ABUJA — A civil liberties advocacy group in Nigeria has intensified pressure on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding the immediate release of Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Yakubu Adamu, who has been held in connection with a high‑profile money laundering probe. The group’s statement comes amid mounting public debate over due process, workers’ welfare and the broader conduct of anti‑graft investigations under the current administration.
Dr. Yakubu Adamu, Bauchi State’s Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development, was arrested by the EFCC in mid‑December in relation to an alleged ₦4.6 billion money laundering case that the anti‑graft body has linked to irregular financial transfers involving contracts and state resources. He has since been detained while the Federal High Court in Abuja considers arraignment proceedings and potential charges, prompting criticism from legal minds, civic activists and concerned citizens.
In a statement released last week, the advocacy organisation — speaking on behalf of civil rights defenders and sections of the Bauchi community — condemned what it described as the “indefinite and prolonged” detention of Dr. Adamu without timely arraignment or clear judicial resolution. The group argued that the continued custody of the commissioner has extended well beyond reasonable expectations, raising concerns about the presumption of innocence and respect for legal safeguards guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution. Activists called on the EFCC to either produce Adamu before the appropriate court without further delay or to immediately release him if no formal charges are pursued.
Critics of the detention have emphasised that the unanswered legal limbo has real‑world consequences beyond the courtroom. According to statements made by Adamu’s legal team and echoed by the advocacy group, the commissioner’s absence has effectively stalled critical financial operations in Bauchi State, notably the disbursement of salaries to tens of thousands of civil servants. Lawyers representing Adamu told the Federal High Court that more than 60,000 state workers risked going without pay if the commissioner remained unable to fulfil his administrative duties while in custody.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has repeatedly ordered the EFCC to produce Adamu for formal arraignment on charges related to alleged money laundering when proceedings were due to commence in December. Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding over the case, has warned prosecuting counsel that sanctions may be imposed if Adamu is not brought before the court on the next scheduled date of December 30. The judge expressed frustration with the anti‑graft agency’s inability to present the defendant as required, even as defence lawyers and state officials attend proceedings.
In its appeal, the advocacy group acknowledged the seriousness of allegations of financial misconduct but underscored that respect for due process and fair trial rights must remain paramount in any democracy. It urged the EFCC to adhere strictly to court orders, arguing that detentions should not be prolonged without definitive judicial direction. The group also highlighted the need for transparency in the handling of high‑profile investigations to preserve public confidence in anti‑corruption institutions.
The EFCC has defended its actions as part of a broader campaign to tackle pervasive economic crimes and financial irregularities across Nigeria’s public sector. In the specific case involving Adamu, the commission alleges that between June and December 2023, funds allegedly advanced by Polaris Bank under the pretext of financing government projects in Bauchi were not properly accounted for, instead being circulated through third‑party accounts or used in ways inconsistent with the purposes stated in financial agreements. Prosecutors have cited sections of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as the basis for the charges.
Supporters of the EFCC’s enforcement efforts argue that tackling corruption at all levels — including within state governments — is crucial for Nigeria’s development trajectory and the equitable management of public resources. They contend that the rule of law must be applied without fear or favour to anyone, irrespective of position or influence. These proponents insist that adherence to proper investigative and prosecutorial protocol remains essential, while also emphasising that delays in arraignment should not undermine efforts to hold alleged offenders to account.
However, the case has drawn mixed reactions within Nigeria’s political and civil society landscapes. Some opposition figures and advocates for governance reform have characterised the detention and legal process as indicative of systemic irregularities in the application of justice, especially when high‑ranking public officials are involved. They argue that excessive delays and perceived procedural missteps risk undermining trust in the nation’s anti‑corruption architecture. Critics also warn that such scenarios could inadvertently politicise anti‑graft efforts and blur the lines between legitimate enforcement and selective targeting.
Legal experts have weighed in on the situation, underscoring the balance that must be struck between empowering statutory agencies to investigate complex financial crimes and safeguarding constitutional rights. They note that Nigeria’s justice system places significant emphasis on the right to a fair and speedy trial, and that prolonged pre‑arraignment detention without robust judicial oversight can raise serious human rights questions — concerns reflected in the advocacy group’s demands.
The advocacy group’s call for action aligns with broader civil liberties campaigns that have emerged in recent years in Nigeria, driven by public demand for accountability, rule‑based governance and efficient legal processes. While Nigeria continues to confront entrenched corruption and financial criminality, voices across the spectrum are increasingly urging institutions to operate within transparent, predictable legal frameworks that uphold fundamental rights as vigorously as they pursue alleged wrongdoers.
As the December 30 court date approaches, all eyes are on the Federal High Court to see whether the EFCC will comply with the order to present the Bauchi finance commissioner for arraignment. The outcome may have lasting implications for how high‑profile corruption cases are managed in Nigeria and could shape ongoing debates about the intersection of anti‑corruption enforcement, judicial oversight and civil liberties.
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