Bauchi Group Dismisses Claims Linking Governor to Alleged Terror Financing
A civil society group has rejected allegations that Bauchi State Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed approved the transfer of 2.3 million US dollars to what was described as a “terrorist organization,” saying the claims are misleading and unsupported by evidence.
The allegations were made by George Udom, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who accused the governor of authorizing payments to Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Chairman of Kaura Independent Communication, Daure David, said the claims were reckless and could misinform the public on a sensitive national security issue.
He stressed that Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore is not listed as a terrorist organization under Nigerian law. According to him, no court of competent jurisdiction and no official instrument of the Federal Government has designated the group as a terrorist entity.
Mr. David said that in a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law, allegations of terrorism must be based on verifiable facts and lawful processes, rather than political rhetoric or speculation.
He also questioned the claim that such a large sum of money was allegedly transferred in cash between January and May 2024, noting that Nigeria operates a regulated financial system, particularly at the level of state governments.
“Claims involving public funds, approvals, timelines, and beneficiaries should be supported by documentary evidence and subjected to lawful investigation,” the statement said, adding that accusations should be addressed through security agencies and anti-corruption institutions rather than public commentary.
The group described the allegations as part of what it called a broader political effort to discredit Governor Mohammed, whom it said has remained independent of the APC.
It warned that political disagreements should not be allowed to escalate into what it termed character assassination or the misuse of national security concerns.
The statement also cautioned against trivializing terrorism, describing it as a serious issue that has claimed many lives across the country.
It said accusations related to security must be handled responsibly and in line with established legal procedures.
The group called for responsible public discourse, urging political actors to respect facts, the law, and institutions charged with maintaining national security.
The statement was signed by Daure David, Chairman of Kaura Independent Communication.
