By Khalid Idris Doya The Independent Public Service Accountability Watch (IPSAW), in collaboration with the Coalition of Civil Society Org...
By Khalid Idris Doya
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 Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Yakubu Adamu, citing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) failure to produce him before a competent court for arraignment and bail consideration.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday in Abuja, Comrade Godiya T. Adams of the Coalition and Comrade Stephen Eriba, Executive Director of IPSAW, described the EFCC’s actions 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 an unambiguous order directing the EFCC to produce Mr. Adamu for arraignment. Despite this, the anti-graft agency has repeatedly failed to present the Commissioner in court, frustrating judicial proceedings and undermining the rule of law.
The groups expressed concern over EFCC’s continued refusal to comply with lawful court directives, highlighting that a six-count charge of alleged money laundering has already been filed. They said the defence has confirmed that Mr. Adamu is ready to enter his plea without delay.
“EFCC itself has admitted in open court that all suspects, including Mr. Adamu, formally indicated their readiness to appear whenever required,” the groups said, adding that such admissions eliminate any justification for prolonged detention or procedural delays.
They also criticised the EFCC for inconsistencies in its position, noting that while the Commission had responded to a bail application without indicating ongoing investigations, it later cited “amending charges” and a so-called “uniform arraignment” as reasons for continued detention—a move the defence described as bad faith.
The organisations commended Justice Nwite for publicly denouncing the EFCC’s conduct, which the court reportedly described as “unfair, unprofessional, and uncalled for,” while questioning the need to file charges if the prosecution was not ready to proceed.
Beyond the legal issues, IPSAW and its partners warned that Mr. Adamu’s detention has caused serious governance and humanitarian consequences. They revealed that over 60,000 civil servants in Bauchi State have not received their salaries since his detention, leading to administrative paralysis, stalled financial operations, and hardship for thousands of families.
“This is not merely an injustice against one individual; it amounts to collective punishment of the people of Bauchi State,” the groups said, emphasising that detention without arraignment or bail violates fundamental human rights, including personal liberty and fair hearing as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
The organisations warned that such actions undermine public confidence in the justice system and set a dangerous precedent where law enforcement agencies appear to operate above the law. They also raised concerns about procedural abuse and possible political interference, which they said are incompatible with democratic governance.
IPSAW and the Coalition called on the EFCC to immediately produce and arraign Mr. Adamu in strict compliance with the Federal High Court’s order. They urged all law enforcement agencies to respect due process and the authority of the judiciary and demanded the protection of Mr. Adamu’s fundamental rights.
Finally, the groups appealed to the judiciary, oversight institutions, civil society, and the international community to monitor the matter closely to ensure that justice is done and seen to be done. They reaffirmed that the people of Bauchi State deserve effective governance, timely salary payments, transparency, and respect for the rule of law, and pledged to defend justice and human rights in the state.
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