IPSAW, Civil Society Coalition Decry EFCC's Failure To Arraign Bauchi Finance Commissioner

By Khalid Idris Doya 

The Independent Public Service Accountability Watch (IPSAW), in collaboration with the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance, has strongly condemned the continued detention of the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Yakubu Adamu, and the failure of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to produce him before a competent court of law for arraignment and consideration of bail.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday in Abuja, Comrade Godiya T. Adams of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance, alongside Comrade Stephen Eriba, Executive Director of IPSAW, described the EFCC’s conduct as deeply troubling and a direct affront to the authority of the judiciary.

They noted that the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Hon. Justice Emeka Nwite, had issued a clear and unambiguous order directing the EFCC to produce Mr. Adamu for arraignment. Despite this order, the anti-graft agency has repeatedly failed to present the Commissioner in court, thereby frustrating judicial proceedings and undermining the rule of law.

The groups expressed grave concern over what they described as the EFCC’s continued refusal to comply with lawful court directives, stressing that a six-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering has already been filed before the court. According to them, the defence has made it clear that Mr. Adamu is ready and willing to take his plea without delay.

They further disclosed that the EFCC itself confirmed in open court that all suspects, including Mr. Adamu, had formally written to the Commission indicating their readiness to honour invitations and appear whenever required. These admissions, the groups argued, effectively eliminate any justification for prolonged detention or procedural delays.

"More troubling still is the inconsistency in the EFCC’s position. The Commission had already responded to a bail application without indicating that investigations were ongoing or that additional suspects were being sought, thereby giving the clear impression that investigations had been concluded. 

“It is therefore deeply concerning that the EFCC later sought to justify continued detention on the grounds of amending charges and pursuing a so-called “uniform arraignment,” a move that the defence rightly described as an act of bad faith."

The organisations commended Justice Emeka Nwite for openly condemning the EFCC's conduct, which the court reportedly described as “unfair, unprofessional, and uncalled for,” while questioning why charges were filed if the prosecution was not prepared to proceed.

Beyond the legal impropriety, IPSAW and its partners warned that the continued detention of the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance has resulted in serious governance and humanitarian consequences. 

They revealed that over 60,000 civil servants in Bauchi State have not received their salaries since the Commissioner's detention, leading to administrative paralysis, stalled financial operations, and severe hardship for thousands of families.

According to the groups, the situation amounts to collective punishment of the people of Bauchi State and not merely an injustice against one individual.

They emphasised that detention without arraignment or access to bail constitutes a clear violation of fundamental human rights, including the rights to personal liberty, fair hearing, and timely judicial review as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

Such actions, they warned, erode public confidence in the justice system and set a dangerous precedent where law enforcement agencies appear to operate above court orders.

IPSAW and the Coalition further stated that the circumstances surrounding Mr. Adamu's continued detention raise serious concerns about procedural abuse and possible political interference, which are incompatible with democratic governance and the principles of justice and fairness.

The groups therefore called on the EFCC to immediately produce and arraign the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance before a competent court, in strict compliance with the Federal High Court’s order. 

They also urged the Commission and all law enforcement agencies to demonstrate unwavering respect for due process and the authority of the judiciary.

They demanded protection of Mr. Adamu's fundamental human rights, including his right to liberty and fair hearing, and called for an end to actions that undermine governance and inflict avoidable hardship on the people of Bauchi State.

IPSAW and the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance also appealed to the judiciary, oversight institutions, civil society groups, and the international community to closely monitor the matter and ensure that justice is not only done but clearly seen to be done.

They reaffirmed that the people of Bauchi State deserve effective governance, timely payment of salaries, transparency, and absolute respect for the rule of law, stressing that they remain resolute in defending justice, safeguarding human rights, and ensuring that no political or institutional interest supersedes the welfare of Nigerians in any state.