The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought new accusations against Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, Bauchi State's Accountant General, and Aliyu Abubakar, a bureau de change operator, in connection with an alleged N1.4 billion fraud. The two appeared before Justice O.A. Egwuatu at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
They are facing an updated five-count charge that includes money laundering, theft, and misuse of public funds. Three others – Abubakar Muhammed Hafiz, Ari Manga, and Muhammed Aminu Bose – are also implicated but are currently at large.
The EFCC claims that between October 2024 and March 2025, the defendants illegally transferred a total of N1,488,425,629.00 belonging to the Bauchi State Government. Specifically, one of the charges alleges that between October 29 and December 31, 2024, Jaja, Abubakar (trading as Jasfad Resources Enterprise), and the three fugitives laundered N1,192,234,627.00. This money, belonging to Bauchi State, was supposedly moved from the Bauchi State Sub-Treasury account to Jasfad Resources Enterprise's account, both held at UBA. Another charge states that an additional N296,191,000.00 was laundered in a similar fashion between January and March 2025.
Both Jaja and Abubakar pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their lawyers, Gordy Uche and Chris Uche, asked the court to let their existing bail conditions continue and requested more time to examine the new charges. The prosecution, led by Abba Muhammed, did not object to the bail request. Justice Egwuatu agreed, ruling that the earlier bail conditions would remain. The trial is now set to begin on July 21, 2025.
