Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has reacted to allegations of terrorism financing linked to his administration, describing the move by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as persecution and an attempt to criminalize him for refusing to defect to the ruling party.
Speaking on Wednesday in Bauchi while receiving an award as Safety Ambassador from the Safety Institute of Nigeria, Mohammed expressed concern that despite his constitutional immunity, his name was mentioned in court filings relating to the alleged offenses.
The EFCC on Wednesday arraigned Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, alongside three others—Balarabe Abdullahi Ilelah, Aminu Mohammed Bose, and Kabiru Yahaya Mohammed—before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism financing and money laundering.
The defendants are facing a 10-count charge bordering on conspiracy, conversion of public funds, and terrorism financing, contrary to Sections 2(1) and 19(1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Speaking on the development, Mohammed said the allegations were politically motivated.
“I was told I’m being accused of terrorism as a governor. Someone who is the head of the opposition. My commissioner has been kept and will not be released by the EFCC even when I have immunity as a governor,” he said.
He accused the EFCC and the federal government of attempting to intimidate him for refusing to defect to the ruling All Progressive Party, APC.
“This is a country where when you work, you become a villain. I have kept quiet for too long for peace and security. But I am not a coward. I will not join them. I refuse to join their party,” he stated.
Mohammed claimed that the federal government had abandoned its responsibility to states while turning institutions against opposition people.
“In my state, they have not provided one kilometer of road. They have not provided water. Even security agencies, I am the one paying them to work for us. And they have the guts to talk,” he said.
The Bauchi governor vowed not to remain silent, insisting that Bauchi State had continued to deliver good governance and infrastructure despite limited resources.
“We have built our health system, primary education, and reduced out-of-school children. We have been awarded three times by the federal government for development and good governance. And they are accusing us? What kind of paradox is this?” he queried.
Mohammed issued a warning that his administration would resist what he described as the political intimidation and weaponization of state institutions.
“If they want war, we will give them war. If they want peace, we will give them peace. I won’t allow anybody to criminalize me because I’m not in their party,” Mohammed declared.
However, he reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with the federal government on national development, stating that his administration would continue to prioritize transparency and responsibility.
