Official records and EFCC filings show how public funds meant for security were allegedly moved through informal cash networks and private intermediaries.
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| Photo: PREMIUM TIMES |
An investigation by PREMIUM TIMES, based on court records, official memos and statements made to investigators, has revealed how millions of dollars belonging to the Bauchi State Government were allegedly disbursed outside formal banking channels and ended up in private hands under the guise of “security commitments.”
According to the report, between late 2023 and July 2024, Bauchi State authorities approved and released huge sums of money — largely in cash — through intermediaries and unofficial routes. The funds were reportedly handed over at unconventional locations in Abuja, including restaurants, supermarkets and private residences, without proper documentation or acknowledgment.
According to the report, between late 2023 and July 2024, Bauchi State authorities approved and released huge sums of money — largely in cash — through intermediaries and unofficial routes. The funds were reportedly handed over at unconventional locations in Abuja, including restaurants, supermarkets and private residences, without proper documentation or acknowledgment.
One of the major beneficiaries named in the court documents is Bello Bodejo, the national president of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, a Fulani socio-cultural group that has frequently been linked to security controversies across parts of Nigeria.
Millions allegedly paid to Bello Bodejo
Court documents show that in July 2024, the then Accountant-General of Bauchi State, Sa’idu Abubakar, formally wrote to Governor Bala Mohammed, through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), seeking “regularisation” of funds already released between January and July 2024.
The memo reportedly listed disbursements amounting to nearly $17 million and ₦75.2 million, paid to various individuals and groups, including Mr Bodejo.
EFCC charges finance commissioner, others
The anti-graft agency alleges that the defendants authorised and facilitated the release of public funds to individuals who allegedly channelled part of the money towards terrorist activities. The charges further claim that Mr Adamu personally received nearly $7 million in cash as part of a money laundering scheme.
The EFCC arraigned the defendants before the Federal High Court in Abuja on 31 December 2025.
Bail denied over “weighty allegations”
The decision came amid a public exchange between Governor Bala Mohammed and the EFCC. The governor accused the commission of politically targeting his administration, allegedly at the instigation of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The EFCC dismissed the allegation, insisting it operates independently and without political influence.
Payments allegedly authorised verbally
He maintained that he did not know the specific purpose of the payments and had no personal relationship with the Miyetti Allah leader.
Mystery around detention period
One striking issue highlighted in the court documents is that several alleged cash deliveries to Mr Bodejo reportedly took place while he was in detention.
Mr Bodejo was arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) in January 2024 and later arraigned on terrorism-related charges. Although the charges were withdrawn in May 2024, records suggest he remained in custody for months — raising questions about how he could have physically received cash payments at multiple locations during that period.
Alleged cash hub and intermediaries
Investigators identified Danlawan Abdulmumini as a central figure in coordinating the movement of funds. Multiple witnesses reportedly described him as a key cash handler who received funds from government-linked accounts and arranged their distribution through associates operating mainly from Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, a known hub for informal forex trading.
Another witness, Yusuf Haruna, told investigators he handled billions of naira in inflows linked to Bauchi State Government sources, some of which were later converted to cash and allegedly delivered locally and abroad.
More cases expected
Beyond the terrorism financing case, the EFCC has filed multiple money laundering charges against serving and former Bauchi State officials. In April 2025, the agency arraigned the state’s Accountant-General, Sirajo Jaja, and a bureau de change operator over alleged illegal conversion of billions of naira.
The EFCC has indicated that investigations are ongoing, with more suspects already named in court filings.
The Federal High Court has fixed 13 January 2026 for the commencement of the terrorism financing trial involving the Bauchi finance commissioner and his co-defendants.
An investigation by PREMIUM TIMES, based on court records, official memos and statements made to investigators, has revealed how millions of dollars belonging to the Bauchi State Government were allegedly disbursed outside formal banking channels and ended up in private hands under the guise of “security commitments.”
According to the report, between late 2023 and July 2024, Bauchi State authorities approved and released huge sums of money — largely in cash — through intermediaries and unofficial routes. The funds were reportedly handed over at unconventional locations in Abuja, including restaurants, supermarkets and private residences, without proper documentation or acknowledgment.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that many of the transactions violated Nigeria’s money laundering laws, as the funds were not routed through recognised financial institutions. Intermediaries involved in the cash deliveries reportedly told investigators that beneficiaries did not sign any documents confirming receipt of the money.
According to government records reviewed by PREMIUM TIMES, the Bauchi State Government allegedly disbursed $2.33 million to Mr Bodejo in four tranches between December 2023 and March 2024. The payments were reportedly approved as part of the state’s security spending.
On 30 December 2025, the EFCC filed terrorism financing and money laundering charges against Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, alongside three senior civil servants: Balarabe Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose and Kabiru Mohammed.
On 6 January 2026, trial judge Justice Emeka Nwite refused to grant bail to the defendants, ruling that the allegations were serious and that the evidence presented by the prosecution was compelling.
In his statement to investigators, former Accountant-General Sa’idu Abubakar claimed the payments to Mr Bodejo and others were made based on the governor’s directives, allegedly communicated verbally, through phone calls and WhatsApp messages.
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