Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike traded sharp words on Thursday over terrorism financing allegations linked to the Bauchi government.
The dispute followed the arraignment of Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and three others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges of allegedly financing terrorism to the tune of $9.7m. Governor Mohammed’s name appeared in the court documents.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Mohammed described the charges as a political witch-hunt. He accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of targeting opposition figures and alleged that Wike was behind the case.
Mohammed linked the charges to a previous comment by Wike in which he allegedly threatened to “put fire” in Bauchi State. He claimed federal agencies were being used to undermine his administration.
“A rising opposition leader being accused of terrorism is painful,” Mohammed said. “This is victimisation. I have written to the Attorney General and will take this matter further to protect my rights.”
The governor, who chairs the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, also accused Wike of working to weaken the party ahead of the 2027 elections. He alleged a wider attempt to damage his reputation by linking him and his associates to banditry and corruption.
Mohammed said Bauchi remained one of the most secure states in the North-East, adding that political intolerance could have serious consequences for the country.
Wike rejected the accusations, dismissing Mohammed’s claims as an effort to deflect from internal political problems in Bauchi. Speaking during a visit to Abua-Odual Local Government Area in Rivers State, the former Rivers governor said he had no role in the EFCC case.
“If I had the power he claims, why is he fighting?” Wike asked. “Go and face your problems.”
He insisted that law enforcement actions should not be politicised and said his disagreements with Mohammed were limited to party leadership issues, not governance or finances.
“EFCC is chasing them, and he says it’s me,” Wike said. “What is my business? If your state is clean, go and enjoy yourself.”
