Tuesday, January 13, 2026 - Islamic scholars from different sects in Bauchi State have dismissed allegations linking the state government to terrorism and banditry, describing the claims as false, misleading, and capable of undermining the peace of the state.
The scholars made their position known on Wednesday during a
press briefing addressed by Imam Muhammad Yusuf on behalf of the Islamic
community in the state.
Yusuf insisted that Bauchi remains one of the most peaceful
states in the North, stressing that no town or forest in the state serves as a
hideout for bandits or terrorist groups.
According to him, no individual has ever been arrested in
Bauchi with weapons or food supplies meant for bandits, adding that security
agencies in the state have remained proactive in addressing threats.
“It is on record that the Bauchi State Government responds
promptly to security challenges. Governor Bala Mohammed has consistently
supported security agencies and vigilante groups and has always taken swift
actions whenever there were isolated incidents,” he said.
The cleric also rejected claims that the governor or any
government official had any link with banditry, describing the allegations
against the Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and five other officials as
baseless and unjust.
He clarified that individuals recently mentioned in
connection with the allegations, including Bello Badejo, were only involved in
cooperation on security matters and not in any criminal activities.
Yusuf urged members of the public to avoid spreading
unverified information, while also warning politicians against exploiting
security issues for political rivalry, even as he also called for continued
prayers and collective efforts to sustain peace in the state.
Arewa PUNCH recalls that the Bauchi State Commissioner for
Finance, Yakubu Adamu, alongside three others, are facing allegations of
terrorism financing by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
They have been arraigned in court twice and were denied
bail.
Following the development, several groups in the state,
including youth and religious organisations as well as political stakeholders,
have rejected the allegations, describing them as politically motivated and
aimed at witch-hunting the Bauchi State Government, which is controlled by an
opposition party a d which is being unnecessarily harrassed to join the ruling
All Progressives Congress at the federal level.
However, the EFCC has dismissed the claims of political
persecution, insisting that it is acting within its independent mandate to
ensure transparency and accountability in governance.
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