Bauchi Raises Alarm Over Terrorism Claims, Defends Gov. Mohammed in EFCC Case

Says Accountant-General honoured EFCC invitation, was detained and later released on bail, not at large

From Paul Orude Bauchi 

The Bauchi State Government has condemned what it described as a deliberate attempt by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to drag Governor Bala Mohammed into the ongoing trial of the Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development and other senior officials of the State Civil Service.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mukhtar Gidado, the government said it observed with deep concern the recent arrest, detention, and prosecution of the officials, as well as the introduction of allegations bordering on financial terrorism and money laundering.

The government described as disturbing the alleged effort to weave the Governor into a criminal narrative through insinuations and the serial, mischievous use of his name on the charge sheet.

“The Bauchi State Government states clearly and unequivocally that the affected officials committed no offence beyond the lawful discharge of their constitutional and statutory responsibilities,” the statement said.

According to the government, the officials acted strictly in line with established financial regulations and approvals issued by the appropriate authorities. 

It warned that criminalising routine governance functions amounts to criminalising government itself and poses a grave danger to public administration nationwide.

Of particular concern, the statement noted, was the belated introduction of allegations relating to terrorism financing and money laundering.

The release claims the charges relating to terrorism financing and money laundering were absent at the time of arrest and detention and only surfaced after judicial scrutiny raised questions about due process.

“No terrorist organisation has been identified, no terrorist act has been linked, and no credible evidence has been disclosed to justify such grave accusations,” the government said,

The statement added that the timing of the allegations suggested an afterthought aimed at intimidation, scandalisation, and reputational damage rather than the pursuit of justice.

The Bauchi State Government also rejected claims that the Accountant-General of the State was “at large,” clarifying that he honoured the EFCC’s invitation, was detained for several days, and was later released on bail after meeting all conditions.

Although Governor Bala Mohammed is not an accused person in any of the proceedings, the statement said his repeated mention in the charge sheet amounted to an attempt to conduct a trial in the court of public opinion and a clear violation of his constitutional immunity.

The government described the inclusion of what it termed a “bogus terrorism financing allegation” as a calculated move to politically damage the Governor’s image.

Reaffirming the Governor’s public service record, the statement highlighted his career as a civil servant, Senator, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and two-term Governor, noting that he has never abused constitutional immunity nor been convicted of any criminal offence.

The government further expressed concern over what it called a growing atmosphere of fear and tension surrounding the matter, warning that any action—direct or indirect—that threatens the safety of the Governor, his aides, or their families is unacceptable.

While reiterating Bauchi State’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption, the government stressed that anti-corruption efforts must be impartial, evidence-based, and rooted in due process.

It therefore called on relevant federal authorities, particularly the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, to urgently review and restrain the conduct of the EFCC to ensure compliance with constitutional safeguards and prosecutorial ethics. 

The government also demanded the immediate removal of the Governor’s name from the charge sheet.

Bauchi State, the statement concluded, remains peaceful, united, and focused on governance, assuring citizens that the government will continue to defend the Constitution, uphold democratic norms, and protect the dignity and will of the people