CSOs Flay Detention Of Bauchi Finance Commissioner

The Independent Public Service Accountability Watch (IPSAW), in collaboration with the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance, has 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, the executive director of IPSAW, Comrade Stephen Eriba, and Comrade Godiya Adams of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance, 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 order directing the EFCC to produce Mr Adamu for arraignment but 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 concern over what they described as the EFCC’s continued refusal to comply with lawful court directives, stressing that a six-count charge related to alleged money laundering had 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 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.