The Federal High Court in Abuja has denied Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, permission to travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the Hajj pilgrimage.
In a ruling on Monday, Judge Emeka Nwite said Mr. Adamu, who faces allegations of N4.65 billion in money laundering, failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify the travel request. The judge also upheld objections by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), noting that the affidavit supporting the application was defective as it was unsigned. Judge Nwite emphasized that an unsigned document holds no legal weight.
While acknowledging the commissioner’s fundamental rights under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, the judge noted that such rights are not absolute. He further dismissed references to the case of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, explaining that Ibori’s application was based on medical grounds, which differs from Mr. Adamu’s situation.
Mr. Adamu, arraigned on 30 December last year on six counts of conspiracy, money laundering, and unlawful acquisition of funds, had pleaded not guilty alongside his company, Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd. Earlier, on 2 February, he was granted bail of N500 million with two sureties.
The commissioner requested the court to release his passport so he could perform Hajj and return to Nigeria by 21 March, asserting that the pilgrimage is a central aspect of his religious practice. His lawyers argued that granting the request would not prejudice the prosecution.
The EFCC alleges that Mr. Adamu, while a branch manager at Polaris Bank, misappropriated funds through complex transactions disguised as payments for motorcycles for the Bauchi State Government—motorcycles that were never delivered. He is also facing terrorism financing charges involving $9.7 million alongside three Bauchi State officials, accused of channeling funds to alleged terrorist groups.
The case has seen multiple judicial transfers and adjournments. An earlier bail application was struck out due to the gravity of the charges, while a later re-presented bail was granted. The EFCC has petitioned for the matter to be transferred to another court, prompting ongoing legal proceedings.
Mr. Adamu’s lawyer, Chris Uche, SAN, called the development “unfair,” claiming the defence’s rights were undermined by procedural issues. The case is currently adjourned pending the Chief Judge’s decision.