Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A prominent Christian civic organisation in Bauchi State has stepped into a growing political and legal controversy surrounding Governor Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, vigorously rejecting claims linking him to terrorism financing and urging federal agencies to cease what it calls baseless accusations.
On Tuesday, the Christian Youths Initiative for Peace (CYIFP), Bauchi State chapter, held a well-attended press conference in the state capital to formally counter allegations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) suggesting the governor’s involvement — directly or indirectly — in financing terrorist activity. Speakers at the event described the claims as unfounded, malicious, and politically motivated, and said they pose a threat to social harmony and inter-faith peace in the region.
Philip Yohanna, chairman of the CYIFP Bauchi chapter, alongside Secretary Luka Musa Jr. and other members, spoke to journalists, underscoring the group’s long-standing mission to promote unity among the state’s diverse religious communities. They stressed that Governor Bala Mohammed has consistently championed inter-faith harmony, supported Christian institutions, and worked to safeguard human rights and security in Bauchi State since assuming office in 2019. The youth leaders described his administration as one of the most Christian-friendly in the state’s history.
The group said the EFCC’s allegations, first made public on January 1, 2026, were “baseless” and undermine the collective efforts to maintain peace in Bauchi, which remains relatively stable compared to other northern states grappling with banditry and extremist violence. They also criticised what they see as political manipulation behind the accusations, suggesting that opponents — particularly the Federal Capital Territory Minister — are attempting to tarnish the governor’s reputation for personal or political gain.
“As Christian youths committed to peace and unity, we condemn these claims in strong terms and resist any attempt to disrupt the relative peace we enjoy in Bauchi State,” a statement from the group declared during the press briefing. They urged residents to ignore the allegations and reaffirm their trust in Governor Bala Mohammed’s leadership.
The charges at the centre of the dispute relate to a high-profile case in which the EFCC arraigned the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and three senior civil servants before the Federal High Court in Abuja on counts including alleged terrorism financing and money laundering. The anti-graft agency alleges that between January and May 2024 substantial sums — including roughly $2.3 million and another $500,000 — were diverted in ways linked to proscribed organisations, with approvals purportedly connected to Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration.
Last week, the Federal High Court denied bail to the finance commissioner and his co-defendants, with the judge emphasising the seriousness of terrorism-related offences and ordering an accelerated trial process. The defendants, however, have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Governor Bala Mohammed has publicly denied any involvement in terrorism financing, characterising the allegations as part of a broader pattern of political persecution tied to his refusal to defect to the ruling party at the federal level. Speaking at an official event earlier this week, he said the use of federal institutions to target his administration represented a dangerous politicisation of law enforcement.
The allegation has sparked fierce debate across Nigeria’s political landscape, with supporters of the governor condemning what they describe as an attempt to weaponise the country’s judicial and anti-corruption systems for political ends. Bauchi State officials have also criticised the timing and presentation of the charges, arguing that they lack credible evidence and infringe on constitutional protections afforded to a sitting governor.
In their public statement, the CYIFP leaders also directly addressed concerns that linking the governor with terrorism financing could fuel religious and ethnic tensions. They emphasised that such claims risk damaging the state’s reputation for peace and co-existence, drawing attention to Bauchi’s track record of relative stability even amid broader insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria.
Religious leaders, civil society organisations, and political allies have rallied around the governor in recent days, echoing the sentiment that the allegations are politically charged and aimed at undermining his influence ahead of upcoming political contests. Some advocacy groups have called for greater transparency from the EFCC and for a more evidence-based approach to enforcement, cautioning against actions that might erode public confidence in anti-corruption efforts.
Critics of the governor, however, argue that the EFCC’s investigations represent a necessary step in holding public officials accountable, particularly in a nation where misappropriation of funds and connections to extremist groups have been persistent concerns. They point out that judicial processes should be allowed to proceed independently and that denouncing allegations without engaging with legal procedures could undermine the rule of law.
The situation remains fluid, with the trial of the Bauchi State finance commissioner and his co-defendants scheduled to continue in mid-January. Amid mounting public interest and intense political rhetoric, stakeholders across Nigeria will be watching closely to see how the courts adjudicate the serious allegations and how political discourse unfolds in the wake of these developments.
For now, groups like the Christian Youths Initiative for Peace have made clear their stance in defence of Governor Bala Mohammed, urging unity, caution against divisive narratives, and continued peace across Bauchi State during a politically sensitive moment in the country’s governance and judicial processes.
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