The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a 12-count charge against Bello Abdullahi Bodejo before a Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing him of involvement in alleged terrorism financing and money laundering activities amounting to $2.53 million.
According to court documents filed by the anti-graft agency, Bodejo allegedly received and possessed large sums of United States dollars in cash between 2022 and 2024 without routing the transactions through financial institutions, contrary to Nigeria's money laundering laws.
The EFCC alleged that the funds were received from Sa’idu Abubakar, a former Accountant-General of Bauchi State who is currently in police custody.
Bodejo, who has been linked to Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, is expected to be arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja in the coming days.
Details of the Charges
Court filings reveal that Bodejo allegedly received several cash payments in foreign currency, including:
$100,000 on January 11, 2022.
$200,000 on January 21, 2022.
$500,000 on March 20, 2024.
$980,000 on February 7, 2024.
The EFCC maintains that these transactions exceeded the legal cash transaction threshold stipulated under Nigeria's Money Laundering Acts and were not processed through recognized financial institutions as required by law.
In one of the counts, prosecutors further alleged that Bodejo knowingly took possession of $980,000 believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities, an act the Commission says violates provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The case is one of the latest high-profile financial crime prosecutions by the EFCC and could have significant legal and political implications if the allegations are proven in court.
The charges also highlight Nigeria's ongoing efforts to strengthen enforcement against money laundering, illicit financial flows, and terrorism financing in line with international anti-corruption standards.
The Federal High Court is expected to fix a date for Bodejo's arraignment, where he will formally enter his plea to the charges. The EFCC is expected to present evidence and witnesses as the trial progresses.
Source:
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) court filings before the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Twisdic Insight : The filing of terrorism financing and money laundering charges involving over $2.53 million underscores the increasing scrutiny of large cash transactions in Nigeria. Beyond the legal battle ahead, the case may test the effectiveness of the country's anti-money laundering framework and reinforce the message that financial transactions outside regulated channels remain a major focus for law enforcement agencies.