EFCC files petition against Federal High Court judge over alleged terrorism financing

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, requesting the disqualification of Mohammed Umar from a terrorism financing case pending before the Abuja Division of the court.

In the petition, the anti-graft agency said it had lost confidence in Justice Umar’s ability to handle the case objectively and urged the Chief Judge to reassign the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/705/2025 to another judge.

The case involves the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and three civil servants — Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed — who are facing allegations bordering on conspiracy, conversion of public funds and terrorism financing.

Alleged $9.7 Million Transactions

According to the EFCC, the defendants were arraigned on December 31, 2025, over alleged financial transactions valued at about $9.7 million carried out without recourse to any financial institution, contrary to provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The commission alleged that between January and May 2024, Adamu and other officials authorised the release of about $2.3 million in cash to Bello Bodejo, president of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and individuals linked to him.

Bodejo was previously arrested by the Federal Government over allegations of terrorism-related activities following the establishment of a vigilante group in Nasarawa State. However, the charges against him were withdrawn in May 2024 before his arraignment.

The EFCC further alleged that the funds were released with the approval of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and that some suspects, including the state Accountant-General, Sirajo Jaja, are currently at large.

EFCC Raises Objection Over Bail

The anti-graft agency said its petition was prompted by Justice Umar’s decision to grant bail to the defendants despite earlier opposition from the prosecution and a previous ruling that denied them bail.

The case was initially handled by Emeka Nwite, who on January 5 ordered the defendants to be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre after refusing their bail applications.

Following the reassignment of the case, Justice Umar on January 21 granted the defendants bail in the sum of ₦100 million each with two sureties, ordering them to surrender their international passports and report weekly to the Department of State Services in Bauchi.

Judge Steps Aside

When the matter came up for hearing on Thursday, Justice Umar announced that he would temporarily step aside pending a decision by the Chief Judge on the EFCC’s petition.

Despite objections from defence counsel, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), who urged the court to proceed with the case, the judge declined and adjourned proceedings indefinitely.

The defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.