Nigeria, Jan. 11 -- The Bauchi State Government paid millions of dollars, off the banking system and via unofficial channels, to finance what it called the state's "security commitment" between late 2023 and July 2024, a PREMIUM TIMES review of government records, official accounts and court documents shows.

A substantial portion of the payouts was disbursed in cash through intermediaries to a wide range of beneficiaries, including individuals and corporate entities.

Processed through unofficial channels and outside banking systems, the cash was handed out by intermediaries acting on behalf of government officials at unconventional locations, including a restaurant, a supermarket, and a private residence in Abuja.

An agent engaged for ...