By Ademola Adekusibe
January 14, 2026
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered a complex web of alleged terrorism financing and money laundering involving Bauchi State officials, intermediaries, and Bello Bodejo, leader of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore. Court documents and EFCC records reveal how millions of dollars intended for state development reportedly ended up in private hands.
Off-Bank Cash Disbursements
Between late 2023 and July 2024, Bauchi State reportedly paid millions of dollars outside the banking system to fund what it called the state’s “security commitment.” A substantial portion of the cash was delivered through intermediaries to individuals and corporate entities at unconventional locations in Abuja, including restaurants, supermarkets, and private residences. EFCC investigations indicate that no receipts or acknowledgment documents were signed by the beneficiaries.
Millions Paid to Bello Bodejo
EFCC records show that Bello Bodejo received a total of $2.33 million in four tranches between December 2023 and March 2024:
• 26 December 2023: $100,000 at CT View Restaurant, Zone 4, Abuja
• 7 February 2024: $980,000 at Bodejo’s residence behind Old CBN, Garki 2, Abuja
• 3 March 2024: $750,000 at Wuse Zone 4, Abuja
• 20 March 2024: $500,000 at a location designated by Bodejo
The intermediary, Yakubu Takai, told the EFCC that he acted on instructions from Danlawan Abdulmumuni, who coordinated the disbursement of state funds. Takai contacted Bodejo by phone for each delivery, with Bodejo specifying the meeting locations.
Three of these four payments coincided with Bodejo’s detention. He was arrested by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) on 23 January 2024, faced terrorism charges, and was later released on 30 May 2024 after the charges were withdrawn. The timing of the cash deliveries during his detention remains a critical issue for the EFCC trial.
Finance Commissioner Allegedly Receives $6.965 Million
The EFCC also alleges that Finance Commissioner Yakubu Adamu received nearly $7 million in cash deliveries between April and July 2024. The funds were delivered in eight tranches at locations chosen by Adamu:
• 4 April 2024: $2 million at CT View Restaurant, Zone 4, Abuja
• 5 May 2024: $50,000 at Sahad Stores, Central Area, Abuja
• 15 May 2024: $915,000 at Asokoro, Abuja
• 27 May 2024: $1.5 million at Amingo Supermarket, Wuse 2, Abuja
• 1 July 2024: $200,000 at Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja
• 4 July 2024: $50,000 at Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja
• 6 July 2024: $250,000 at NNPC Headquarters, Abuja
• 25 July 2024: $2 million at CT View Restaurant, Zone 4, Abuja
Takai told the EFCC that neither Adamu nor Bodejo ever acknowledged receiving the funds.
Role of Intermediaries
Central to the alleged scheme was Danlawan Abdulmumuni, described as the state’s primary cash coordinator. Funds flowed through corporate accounts, including D Nice City No. 1 Ltd and AMY Trading Concept Ltd, and totaled at least ₦7.6 billion. Transactions occurred in cash and bank transfers across Abuja, Bauchi, and Dubai.
Another key intermediary, Yusuf Haruna, a physics graduate, detailed the cash inflows and distributions in six EFCC statements. Haruna said he acted under Abdulmumuni’s instructions and received funds from Bauchi State-related accounts and corporate sources to carry out disbursements.
EFCC Charges and Court Proceedings
On 31 December 2025, the EFCC arraigned Adamu and three civil servants—Balarabe Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose, and Kabiru Mohammed—on terrorism financing and money laundering charges. The commission alleges that the funds were used to finance terrorist activities and were handled outside regulated financial institutions.
The Federal High Court in Abuja denied bail on 6 January 2026, citing the weight of the evidence, including memos, financial records, and statements from intermediaries.
Governor Bala Mohammed, whose aides are implicated, alleged political targeting by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, a PDP rival. The EFCC rejected this claim, affirming its independence and mandate to investigate economic and financial crimes.
Background on Bello Bodejo
Bodejo, born in 1979 in Nasarawa State, is the leader of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, a predominantly Fulani socio-cultural association. In January 2024, he formed a vigilante group in Lafia, recruiting over 1,000 youths to support security for herders and farmers.
He was arrested on 23 January 2024 for allegedly establishing an ethnic militia and faced terrorism charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Bodejo was released on 30 May 2024 after the charges were withdrawn, and briefly detained again in December 2024 before a court ordered his release.
Upcoming Trial
The terrorism financing trial is set to begin on 13 January 2026, with EFCC presenting detailed evidence of alleged fund diversion, intermediaries’ involvement, and cash delivery networks. Additional money laundering cases involving Adamu and other Bauchi State officials remain ongoing.
