Group Dismisses Allegation Linking Bauchi Governor to Terrorism

By Zakariyya Aliyu Gwaram

A political communication group, Kaura Independent Communication, has dismissed as false and misleading claims that Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, approved the transfer of $2.3 million to a so-called terrorist organisation.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Chairman, Daure David, the group faulted recent comments attributed to George Udom of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the allegation as reckless and unsupported by law or evidence.

The group stated that Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, which was named in the allegation, is not proscribed as a terrorist organisation under Nigerian law, noting that no court of competent jurisdiction or official instrument of the Federal Government has designated the group as such.

According to the statement, accusations of terrorism in a constitutional democracy must be based on verifiable facts and due process, not political rhetoric or social media speculation.

It further questioned the credibility of claims that such a large sum was allegedly transferred in cash between January and May 2024, stressing that Nigeria operates a regulated financial system, especially at the level of state governments.

“Allegations involving public funds, approvals, timelines and beneficiaries must be supported by documentary evidence and subjected to lawful investigation, not trial by propaganda,” the group said.

Kaura Independent Communication argued that if there is credible evidence of wrongdoing, the appropriate step is to submit it to security and anti-corruption agencies rather than resorting to public accusations.

The group also alleged that the claim forms part of a broader attempt by political opponents to tarnish the image of Governor Bala Mohammed over his refusal to align with the APC, warning that political disagreement should not degenerate into character assassination or the politicisation of national security issues.

It stressed that terrorism remains a serious national challenge that should not be trivialised or exploited for partisan advantage, calling for responsible public discourse anchored on facts, the rule of law and respect for institutions.