Key points
- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a 12-count charge against Bello Abdullahi Bodejo over alleged money laundering and terrorism financing offences involving $2.53 million.
- The anti-graft agency accused Bodejo of receiving large sums of cash in foreign currency outside the regulated banking system.
- The case is expected to commence at the Federal High Court in Abuja following the assignment of an arraignment date.
Main story
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has commenced legal proceedings against Bello Abdullahi Bodejo, filing a 12-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged money laundering and terrorism financing offences involving approximately $2.53 million.
According to court documents filed on June 22, 2026, the anti-graft agency accused Bodejo of receiving and possessing substantial amounts of foreign currency believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities, contrary to provisions of Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws.
The EFCC alleged that the defendant received multiple cash payments in United States dollars from a former Accountant-General of Bauchi State, Sa’idu Abubakar, who is currently in the custody of the Nigeria Police Force.
In one of the charges, the commission alleged that Bodejo accepted $100,000 in cash in Abuja on January 11, 2022, without processing the transaction through a financial institution as required by law.
The agency further alleged that he received an additional $200,000 in physical cash on January 21, 2022, an amount said to exceed the legal threshold for cash transactions.
According to the charge sheet, Bodejo also allegedly received $980,000 in cash on February 7, 2024. The EFCC accused him of taking possession of the funds under circumstances in which he knew or reasonably ought to have known that the money represented proceeds of unlawful activities.
Another count alleges that the defendant received an additional $500,000 in cash on March 20, 2024, in contravention of the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.
The commission said the alleged offences violate provisions of both the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Bodejo is expected to enter his plea before the Federal High Court once an arraignment date is fixed.
The issues
Money laundering and terrorism financing remain major concerns for Nigerian authorities as they seek to strengthen financial transparency and prevent the movement of illicit funds through the financial system.
Under Nigerian law, large cash transactions are subject to strict reporting and regulatory requirements aimed at combating financial crimes, terrorism financing and corruption.
The case also highlights the increasing focus of anti-corruption agencies on tracing suspicious financial transactions and enforcing compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.
What’s being said
The EFCC alleges that:
- Bodejo received cash payments totalling approximately $2.53 million.
- The transactions were conducted outside legally recognised financial channels.
- Some of the funds were allegedly proceeds of unlawful activities.
- The defendant violated provisions of Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws.
- The charges form part of broader efforts to combat financial crimes and terrorism financing.
The commission has indicated its readiness to prosecute the matter before the court.
What’s next
The Federal High Court is expected to assign a date for Bodejo’s arraignment, during which he will formally respond to the charges.
Following his plea, the court will determine the timetable for trial proceedings, including the presentation of evidence and witness testimonies by the prosecution and defence.
The outcome of the case will depend on evidence presented before the court.
Bottom line
The EFCC’s move to prosecute Bello Abdullahi Bodejo marks another significant anti-corruption and financial crime case involving allegations of money laundering and terrorism financing. While the commission alleges that more than $2.5 million was received through unlawful cash transactions, the allegations remain subject to judicial determination, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
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