The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a stern warning to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding potential sanctions over its persistent failure to produce the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, for arraignment. The Commissioner is a key figure in an alleged N4.6 billion money laundering case.
Presiding over the proceedings, Justice Emeka Nwite expressed his dissatisfaction after the anti-graft agency missed the second opportunity to present Adamu before the court for plea-taking. The judge explicitly ordered the EFCC to ensure the defendant’s presence for the next hearing on December 30, emphasizing that any further delays would lead to severe consequences for the prosecuting counsel.
Yakubu Adamu is facing trial alongside Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd, who are listed as the first and second defendants, respectively. The six-count charge, filed by the EFCC and marked FHC/ABJ/CR/694/2025, alleges that Adamu conspired to launder approximately N4.65 billion during his tenure as Branch Manager of Polaris Bank Ltd in Bauchi.
The prosecution claims that the alleged offences occurred between June and December 2023. According to the EFCC, Adamu collaborated with Ishaku Mohammed Aliyu, the Managing Director of Makayye Investment Resources Ltd, and Muntaka Mohammed Duguri, both of whom are reportedly at large. The alleged scheme involved Polaris Bank financing the supply of motorcycles to the Bauchi State Government.
Investigators contend that the funds were purportedly released for the supply of motorcycles through Emmanuel Asomugha General Enterprises. However, the commission asserts that these motorcycles were never delivered, constituting an offence under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Additional counts accuse the defendants of retaining and moving proceeds of unlawful activities via third parties and nominees.
The case was initially scheduled for arraignment on Tuesday, but the hearing was adjourned due to the absence of both the prosecution and the defendants, despite the presence of defence lawyers. When the matter reconvened on Wednesday, Adamu remained absent, prompting an apology from EFCC counsel Samuel Chime, who cited an intention to amend the charge to include additional suspects.
Chime requested an adjournment to allow for the simultaneous arraignment of all defendants, including those at large, and to extend a nearing expiration remand order. This application was vehemently opposed by lead defence counsel, Chief Gordy Uche (SAN), who argued that the request lacked good faith and that the existing charge was ripe for plea.
Uche highlighted the significant impact of Adamu’s continued detention on governance in Bauchi State, stating that over 60,000 workers had not been paid, potentially affecting Christmas salaries and causing a statewide shutdown. He argued that the matter extended beyond an individual case.
Despite the defence’s arguments, Chime maintained that investigations were complete and the EFCC sought a “uniform arraignment” for all involved parties. Justice Nwite strongly criticized the prosecution’s preparedness, questioning the decision to file charges without being ready for arraignment and deeming the conduct unprofessional.
After Chime assured the court that the arraignment would proceed even if additional suspects failed to appear, Justice Nwite reiterated his warning. He stressed that the EFCC must produce Adamu on December 30, stating clearly that failure to do so would result in severe repercussions and that he would not take such non-compliance lightly.
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