By Atoyebi Nike
The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to produce Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, in court on December 30 for arraignment over alleged N4.6 billion money laundering.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Wednesday after the EFCC failed for the second time to bring Adamu before the court for plea-taking, warning that prosecuting counsel could face sanctions if the defendant was not produced at the next hearing.
Adamu and a company, Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd, are the first and second defendants, respectively, in a six-count charge filed by the EFCC on December 19, 2025, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/694/2025.
The prosecution alleges that while acting as Branch Manager of Polaris Bank in Bauchi, Adamu conspired with Ishaku Mohammed Aliyu, Managing Director of Makayye Investment Resources Ltd, and Muntaka Mohammed Duguri, both at large, to launder approximately N4.65 billion between June and December 2023.
According to the EFCC, the funds were purportedly advanced to finance the supply of motorcycles to the Bauchi State Government through Emmanuel Asomugha General Enterprises, but the motorcycles were never delivered. One count also alleges that N165.9 million was transferred to Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd through nominees and third parties.
The EFCC’s attempt to arraign the defendants on Tuesday failed due to the absence of both the prosecution and the defendants, even though defence lawyers were present.
During Wednesday’s hearing, EFCC counsel Samuel Chime apologized for the previous absence and sought an adjournment, citing plans to amend the charge to include additional suspects. Lead defence counsel, Chief Gordy Uche (SAN), opposed the application, insisting that the matter was ready for arraignment and that the continued detention of Adamu had wider implications for Bauchi State, where over 60,000 workers remain unpaid.
Justice Nwite expressed strong disapproval of the EFCC’s conduct, describing the failure to produce the defendant as “unfair, uncalled for and unprofessional.” He warned that further default could attract severe sanctions. The matter has now been adjourned to December 30, with the judge demanding that the EFCC produce all defendants for plea-taking.
