EFCC arraigns Bauchi Commissioner in court
Arewa Joint Initiative for Peace has urged Nigerians to reject what it described as attempts to seek public sympathy over serious corruption and security-related allegations involving officials of the Bauchi State Government.
In a statement signed by its President, Julius Danlami, the group drew attention to the recent arraignment of senior government officials from Bauchi State, including the Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to the group, the officials are standing trial on charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) bordering on conspiracy, conversion of public funds and alleged terrorism financing.
The group described the allegations as grave and far beyond the realm of routine political disagreements, noting that they raise serious questions about governance, accountability and public trust in the state.
It criticised Governor Bala Mohammed’s comments suggesting that his administration was being targeted for political reasons, allegedly because of his refusal to align with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group said such claims were aimed at diverting attention from the substance of the charges.
According to the statement, framing serious legal matters as political persecution could erode public confidence in democratic and judicial institutions, especially when the allegations involve large sums of money and issues related to terrorism financing.
The group stressed that allegations of illicit financial dealings and terrorism-related offences must be treated with utmost seriousness, particularly in Northern Nigeria where communities have endured years of insecurity and violence.
While acknowledging the constitutional immunity enjoyed by a sitting governor, the organisation maintained that immunity does not translate to impunity. It insisted that due process must be allowed to run its full course without interference.
The Arewa Joint Initiative for Peace further described the case as a reflection of broader challenges of corruption and mismanagement in the country, urging Nigerians not to allow emotional or political narratives to overshadow the demand for truth and accountability.
It called on judicial authorities to ensure the speedy handling of the case, warning that unnecessary delays could deepen public mistrust in the justice system.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to peace, justice and good governance, urging citizens to remain vigilant and united in holding public office holders accountable, stressing that sympathy must never replace scrutiny when serious allegations threaten national security and moral integrity.
