The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned the Accountant-General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, alongside a Bureau De Change operator, Aliyu Abubakar, on charges relating to an alleged N1.4 billion fraud.
The re-arraignment took place before Justice O.A. Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The EFCC presented amended charges against the two defendants, focusing on money laundering and the criminal diversion of public funds belonging to Bauchi State.
Both defendants entered pleas of not guilty to the amended charges. Following their pleas, the court allowed them to continue under the terms of their previously granted bail. The trial is scheduled to commence on July 21, 2025.
According to the EFCC, the alleged offenses involve large-scale misappropriation of state resources between 2021 and 2022. The anti-graft agency accuses Jaja, in his capacity as Accountant-General, of orchestrating unauthorized transfers and withdrawals from Bauchi State government accounts. These funds, totalling approximately N1.4 billion, were allegedly diverted under the guise of official transactions.
Aliyu Abubakar, the second defendant and a Bureau De Change operator, is alleged to have been a conduit for laundering the diverted funds. The EFCC claims that he assisted in converting significant sums of money into foreign currencies and facilitated their movement through informal financial channels, bypassing the formal banking system.
The case file indicates that the charges have been amended to reflect additional evidence obtained by the EFCC since the original arraignment. The revised charges are expected to provide a stronger basis for prosecution when the trial begins.
During the court proceedings on Monday, the prosecution team, led by EFCC counsel, emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, noting that public officeholders must be held accountable for the management of state finances. The prosecution confirmed that witness testimony and financial documents would be presented when the trial opens in July.
Justice Egwuatu, while granting the request for the defendants to remain on their existing bail, instructed both parties to adhere strictly to all bail conditions. He also warned against any attempt to delay proceedings, stating that the court was prepared to expedite the trial.
This case is part of a broader effort by the EFCC to address financial misconduct and corruption within Nigeria’s public sector. Bauchi State, like several other Nigerian states, has faced recurring allegations of financial mismanagement, particularly concerning the misuse of funds allocated for public services and development.
The EFCC has stated that it is committed to pursuing justice in cases where there is evidence of large-scale theft of public funds. In previous statements, the agency reiterated that combating corruption in government institutions is critical for national development and public trust.
Neither Jaja nor Abubakar made comments to the press following the court appearance. Their legal representatives, however, expressed confidence in defending the charges, insisting that their clients will be vindicated.
The outcome of the trial, once it begins in July, is expected to be closely followed by both anti-corruption watchdogs and citizens of Bauchi State, many of whom have expressed concern over the alleged misappropriation of public funds.
If convicted, the defendants face potential penalties under Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws, including imprisonment and asset forfeiture. The EFCC has not ruled out the possibility of additional charges or further arrests connected to the case, as investigations remain ongoing.
