The Bauchi State Government on Thursday criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for arresting and arraigning some state officials over alleged terrorism financing, describing the action as a misuse of state institutions and legal procedures.
The reaction followed the arraignment of the state Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, alongside three senior civil servants before a Federal High Court in Abuja. The EFCC accused them of financing terrorism, an allegation the state government rejected, insisting that it had no basis in law or fact.
In a statement issued in Bauchi by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bala Mohammed, Mukhtar Gidado, the government said the officials acted within the limits of the constitution and existing financial regulations while carrying out their duties. It maintained that no crime was committed in the course of their work.
The state government argued that treating routine government actions as criminal offences could harm public administration across the country and discourage public service. It also questioned the timing of the terrorism and money laundering allegations, noting that such claims only surfaced after earlier procedures were challenged in court.
According to the government, no terrorist group or activity has been linked to Bauchi State, and no clear evidence has been presented to support the accusations. It said the manner in which the allegations were introduced suggested an attempt to intimidate officials and damage reputations rather than pursue justice.
The statement also dismissed claims that the state Accountant-General was on the run, explaining that he honoured invitations from the EFCC, was detained for several days, and later released on bail.
The government further raised concern that Governor Bala Mohammed’s name was repeatedly mentioned in court documents despite not being listed as a defendant. It said this amounted to an attempt to put the governor on public trial and went against constitutional provisions on immunity.
Bauchi warned that such actions could create fear and tension, posing risks to the safety of the governor, government officials, and their families. While restating its support for transparency and accountability, the state insisted that anti-corruption efforts must be fair, lawful, and free from political motives.
The government called on the Attorney-General of the Federation to review the EFCC’s actions and ensure that due process and constitutional safeguards are respected. It added that Bauchi State remains calm and focused on governance, stating that the issue would not distract the administration from serving the people.
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