The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, April 7, 2025, brought fresh corruption allegations against key officials from Bauchi State, arraigning the state’s Accountant General, Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, before the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, over a suspected N8.3 billion fraud.
Jaja appeared in court alongside bureau de change operator, Aliyu Abubakar, and his company, Jasfad Resources Enterprise.
The trio faces a nine-count charge involving money laundering, diversion of public funds, and criminal misappropriation.
According to the EFCC, the accused colluded with senior officials in the Bauchi State Government — including former and current Secretaries to the State Government, Ibrahim Kashim and Aminu Hammayo, respectively — to divert public funds for personal use.
Others allegedly involved, including Saleh U. Mohammed and Balarabe Abdullahi, remain at large.
Court documents revealed that over N2.8 billion was funneled through Jasfad Resources Enterprise’s UBA account between January and December 2024.
The funds, said to be laundered from the state’s expenditure account, were part of a broader fraudulent scheme, the anti-graft agency alleged.
All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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While the prosecution requested their remand pending trial, the defense sought bail, with Jaja’s lawyer arguing his pivotal role in managing the state’s finances as a reason for his release on self-recognition.
However, the EFCC contested the application, claiming Jaja had previously breached bail terms and posed a flight risk.
Presiding judge, Justice O.A. Egwuatu, after listening to arguments, granted the defendants bail to the tune of N200 million each, with two sureties of equal sum.
At least one surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17, residing in Abuja, and must show proof of tax payment for the past three years.
Pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions, Jaja was remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre while Abubakar was granted temporary release to the custody of the Bauchi State Attorney General.
The trial is scheduled to commence on June 17, 2025.