Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has confirmed that Muntaka Mohammed Duguri, a co-defendant in an ongoing Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) case involving an alleged ₦4.6 billion money laundering scheme, is his nephew.

The confirmation follows an earlier report that linked Duguri to the case alongside the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu. Duguri is currently listed as being at large and is facing a six-count charge filed by the EFCC before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Another individual named in the case, Ishaku Mohammed Aliyu, Managing Director of I.S. Makayye Investment Resources Ltd, is also reportedly at large. His absence has complicated proceedings and delayed the arraignment of Commissioner Adamu.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Governor Mohammed acknowledged the family relationship but described the case as politically motivated. He alleged that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was persecuting him and falsely linking him to terrorism financing.

According to the governor, there is no evidence to support the allegations against his nephew. He said he had written to the Attorney General of the Federation, copied relevant agencies, and intended to escalate the matter to the international community, citing what he described as victimisation and violations of his fundamental human rights.

Details of the EFCC charge allege that Yakubu Adamu, while serving as a branch manager at Polaris Bank in Bauchi, conspired with Duguri and Aliyu between June and December 2023 to convert, transfer, and conceal approximately ₦4.65 billion.

The funds were allegedly obtained under the guise of financing the supply of motorcycles to the Bauchi State Government through Emmanuel Asomugha General Enterprises. Prosecutors further allege that proceeds of unlawful activity were transferred through nominees and third-party accounts, including I.S. Makayye Investment Resources Ltd, with ₦165.9 million reportedly transferred to Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Ltd.

The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Sources familiar with the investigation have described Ishaku Mohammed Aliyu as a key figure whose testimony could significantly strengthen the EFCC’s case. The sources claim Aliyu initially cooperated with investigators after a reported dispute with Duguri over proceeds from the alleged scheme.

Additional allegations include claims of witness suppression and attempts to prevent Aliyu from testifying, though these allegations remain unproven and have not been established in court.