By Bashir Aliyu
A group the Bauchi Yau Da Gobe Solidarity Group has accused Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed, son of Governor Bala Mohammed, and Yakubu Adamu, the Commissioner of Finance, Bauchi State of gross corruption, abuse of office, and financial mismanagement perpetuated by them.
In a petition signed by the group and forwarded to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), The Presidency, The National Assembly, and The Media and Civil Society Organizations, the group said these individuals have allegedly used their positions to siphon state funds through a network of conduit companies for personal enrichment, all in a bid to fund their 2027 gubernatorial and senatorial ambitions at the expense of the people of Bauchi State.
The Petition titled Urgent Call for Investigation and Accountability for Corruption and Abuse of Public Funds in Bauchi State, stated further that there are Allegations of Corruption and Financial Mismanagement which includes
1. RZI Ventures Global Resorts – This company, owned by an associate of Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed, has allegedly been used to distribute monthly stipends to him and his associates. It is further alleged that the Commissioner of Finance channels government funds through this entity for the financial benefit of Shamsudeen.
2. Dreamlabs Nigeria Ltd – A company managed by an associate of Shamsudeen, whose accounts were reportedly overseen by the Finance Commissioner. It is alleged that Dreamlabs functioned as a ‘revenue consultant’ for Bauchi State over a period of four years before the commissioner was appointed, thanks to Shamsudeen’s influence.
3. Courtville Business Solutions – This consulting firm is currently handling revenue and salary payments for Bauchi State. It was allegedly introduced by both Shamsudeen and Yakubu Adamu as part of a grand scheme to maintain financial control over government funds.
4. Ayab Agro Allied – This company is owned and managed by the Commissioner of Finance himself. It is alleged that billions of naira in state funds have been funneled through this company, with the connivance of Shamsudeen and other actors.
The group also stated that this is not the first time Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed has been implicated in financial misconduct. In February 2017, he was arraigned on a 20-count charge of money laundering, accused of making cash payments totaling ₦1.2 billion for property acquisitions in Abuja. These transactions, which violated the Money Laundering Act, were allegedly conducted through proxy companies, including:
• Bird Trust Agro Allied Limited
• Intertrans Global Logistic Ltd
• Diakin Telecommunications Ltd
• Bal-Vac Mining Nigeria Ltd
Although he pleaded not guilty, and the case was struck out by the Federal High Court in Abuja in 2023 due to “insufficient evidence,” the allegations have continued to linger, raising concerns about the integrity of public officeholders in Bauchi State.
Other things enumerated by the group include, the alleged diversion of public funds for personal political ambitions, coupled with attempts to suppress investigations and intimidate the press, which poses a grave threat to democracy and good governance in Bauchi State. These corrupt activities deprive the people of essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development, while a select few continue to enrich themselves.
“In light of these damning allegations, we, the Bauchi Yau Da Gobe Solidarity Group, demand the following:
1. A comprehensive investigation by the EFCC and ICPC into the financial activities of Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed and Yakubu Adamu, particularly their use of these companies to divert public funds.
2. Immediate suspension of Yakubu Adamu from his position as Commissioner of Finance, pending the outcome of investigations.
3. A forensic audit of all financial transactions involving the listed companies and their dealings with the Bauchi State Government.
4. A public hearing by the National Assembly to expose the extent of corruption within the Bauchi State Government and recommend necessary sanctions.
5. Protection for journalists and whistleblowers exposing corruption in Bauchi State, ensuring they are not intimidated, harassed, or silenced.
6. Prosecution of all individuals found culpable to serve as a deterrent against future financial misconduct in Bauchi State.
“The people of Bauchi State will no longer remain silent while their resources are looted by those entrusted to serve them. The alleged misconduct of Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed and Yakubu Adamu represents a betrayal of public trust and a direct affront to the principles of accountability and transparency.
“We urge all relevant authorities to take swift and decisive action to ensure that Bauchi State is not turned into a private estate for a few privileged individuals. We call on anti-corruption agencies, civil society organizations, and the media to amplify this call for justice and ensure that those responsible for these financial atrocities face the full wrath of the law.
