A Federal High Court in Abuja has refused to grant bail to the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and other defendants facing allegations of financing terrorism involving about $9.7 million.
Justice Emeka Nwite said the charges were serious and posed a threat to national security and public safety.
He ruled that releasing the suspects before trial could endanger the public and disrupt social order.
The judge noted that while the Constitution presumes an accused person innocent, bail decisions must take into account the nature of the offence, the strength of the evidence, and the possible punishment.
He said the prosecution had presented sufficient material at this stage to justify keeping the defendants in custody.
However, the court ordered an accelerated hearing to ensure the case is handled expeditiously.
The trial is scheduled to begin on January 13.
Adamu and his co-defendants were remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre following their arraignment on December 31, 2025. They pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused Adamu and other Bauchi State civil servants of conspiring between January and May 2024 to move large sums of money in cash allegedly intended to support a terrorist group.
The prosecution said the transactions were approved by the Bauchi State governor.
The defendants are charged under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act and the Money Laundering Act.
Separately, Adamu is also facing another money laundering case involving N4.6 billion linked to his time as a bank branch manager.
In that case, he was granted bail last week under strict conditions.
