The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an application by Yakubu Adamu, Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, seeking permission to travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for Holy pilgrimage.
Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on Tuesday, held that Adamu, who is facing an alleged N4.6 billion money laundering charge, did not provide sufficient evidence to justify the request.
The judge also upheld objections by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding the affidavit attached to the application, noting that it was unsigned and therefore lacked legal value.
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“While the court is mindful of the applicant’s rights under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, such rights are not absolute,” Justice Nwite said.
He further noted that a previous case cited by Adamu involving former Delta State Governor James Ibori was not applicable, as Ibori’s application was based on medical reasons.
Adamu had sought two reliefs: the release of his international passport and leave to travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj.
In the supporting affidavit deposed to by Emmanuel Tsebo, a litigation secretary with Chris Uche, SAN & Co., Adamu explained that the court had ordered him to deposit his passport with the deputy chief registrar pending his trial.
He undertook to return the travel documents by March 22, 2016 and attend all court proceedings.
The commissioner argued that the pilgrimage is a key religious obligation and would not affect the prosecution, requesting that the Court grant the application in the interest of justice.
Adamu was admitted to bail on January 2, 2026, with conditions set at N500 million and two sureties of the same amount. He was remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending fulfillment of these conditions.
The EFCC, in a charge filed on December 19, 2025, named Adamu, a former Polaris Bank PLC, branch manager in Bauchi, and Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd as defendants in a N4.6 billion money laundering case.
The Commission alleges that the funds were obtained under the guise of financing motorcycles for the Bauchi State Government through Emmanuel Asomugha General Enterprises, which were not delivered.
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The EFCC also accused the defendants of transferring proceeds of the unlawful act through third-party accounts, including N165.9 million to Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd, contrary to Sections 20(a) and 21(a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The defendants, arraigned on December 30, 2025, pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge. Adamu and three co-defendants are also facing another criminal charge related to alleged terrorism financing of $9.7 million before Justice Umar.
The case was adjourned indefinitely on February 26, 2026 following an EFCC petition requesting its transfer to another court.
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