The Bauchi State Government, located in northeastern Nigeria, has strongly criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigeria’s federal anti-corruption agency, over what it described as the political misuse of state institutions following the arrest and court arraignment of senior state officials on allegations of terrorism financing.
Okay News reports that the dispute followed the arraignment of Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, alongside three senior civil servants before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, on Wednesday. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission accused the officials of terrorism financing, an allegation the Bauchi State Government has firmly rejected as baseless, malicious, and politically motivated.
In a statement released on Thursday, Mukhtar Gidado, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, expressed what he described as “deep concern” over the actions of the anti-graft agency. Governor Bala Mohammed is the elected chief executive of Bauchi State and a prominent political figure in Nigeria’s North-East region.
According to the statement, the government argued that the affected officials acted strictly within Nigeria’s constitutional and financial regulations and did not commit any offence beyond the lawful execution of their official responsibilities.
“To criminalise routine governance functions is to criminalise government itself and endanger public administration across the federation,” the statement partly read.
The Bauchi State Government further questioned the timing of the terrorism and money laundering allegations, describing them as a “belated introduction” that emerged only after judicial scrutiny had raised concerns about the legality of earlier investigative procedures.
It maintained that no terrorist organisation, terrorist act, or credible security threat had ever been linked to Bauchi State or its officials, stressing that no evidence had been presented to justify what it called extremely grave accusations.
“The timing and manner of these allegations raise fears they were introduced as an afterthought, intended to intimidate, scandalise, and damage reputations rather than advance justice,” the statement added.
The government also dismissed claims by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that the Accountant-General of the state was “at large.” It clarified that the official honoured invitations from investigators, was detained for several days, and was subsequently released on bail.
Gidado further raised concern over the repeated mention of Governor Bala Mohammed’s name in court filings, despite the governor not being listed as a defendant in the case. He described the move as an attempt to subject the governor to a “trial in the court of public opinion” and a violation of Nigeria’s constitutional provisions granting sitting governors immunity from criminal prosecution.
“The serial mention of the governor’s name is a deliberate attempt to indict him and politically destroy his image. This is unacceptable,” the statement said.
Beyond legal concerns, the Bauchi State Government warned that the unfolding situation could endanger the safety of the governor, his aides, and their families, alleging that the actions of the anti-graft agency were creating an atmosphere of fear and tension.
While reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability in public office, the government insisted that Nigeria’s fight against corruption must remain impartial, evidence-based, and free from political vendetta.
“Selective justice, retaliatory prosecutions, and the politicisation of law enforcement institutions weaken democracy,” the statement warned.
The government called on Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation, the country’s chief law officer and Minister of Justice, to review the conduct of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. It also demanded the immediate removal of Governor Bala Mohammed’s name from all court documents in line with constitutional immunity provisions.
In closing, the Bauchi State Government urged political actors across Nigeria to desist from weaponising state institutions for political gain, stressing that it would continue to defend democratic principles and the dignity of the people it governs.
“Bauchi remains peaceful, united, and focused on governance. No amount of persecution will diminish the confidence the Governor enjoys across Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
