The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned the Accountant General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, alongside bureau de change operator Aliyu Abubakar, on charges related to an alleged N1.4 billion fraud scheme.
The defendants appeared before Justice O.A. Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja on Tuesday, facing a five-count amended charge that includes money laundering, theft, and conversion of public funds.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
According to the EFCC, Jaja and Abubakar, who operates under the business name Jasfad Resources Enterprise, allegedly diverted N1,488,425,629.00 belonging to the Bauchi State Government between October 2024 and March 2025.
The charges detail that approximately N1,192,234,627.00 was transferred from the Bauchi State Sub-Treasury account to Jasfad Resources Enterprise's account at UBA between October 29 and December 31, 2024. An additional N296,191,000.00 was allegedly laundered between January and March 2025 using the same method.
Three other defendants—Abubakar Muhammed Hafiz, Ari Manga, and Muhammed Aminu Bose—were named in the charges but remain at large.
Court Proceedings
Both Jaja and Abubakar pleaded not guilty to all charges. Their defense counsel, Gordy Uche and Chris Uche, requested that the court maintain the existing bail conditions and asked for an adjournment to review the amended charges.
Prosecution counsel Abba Muhammed did not oppose the bail request, and Justice Egwuatu ruled that the defendants' earlier bail conditions would remain in effect.
The case has been adjourned to July 21, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
This case highlights ongoing efforts by the EFCC to combat corruption and financial crimes involving public officials across Nigeria, particularly the misappropriation of state funds.
Stay updated on this developing story and more by following BenriNews on our social media channels:
