April 17, 2025, Abuja – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, Bauchi State’s Accountant General, alongside Aliyu Abubakar, a bureau de change operator, and his firm, Jasfad Resources Enterprise.
Specifically, the defendants appeared before Justice O.A. Egwuatu at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, facing serious allegations involving N8.3 billion in fraud.
Moreover, the charges include money laundering, diversion of public funds, and criminal misappropriation, totaling N8,380,626,430.95.
Ibrahim Kashim, a former Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, and the current Secretary, Aminu Hammayo, remain at large. Additionally, Saleh U. Mohammed and Balarabe Abdullahi are also implicated, yet they are evading arrest.
One key allegation reveals that between January 5 and December 10, 2024, Abubakar and others laundered N2,808,595,100.00.
They accomplished this by transferring public funds from Bauchi State’s account to Jasfad Resources Enterprise.
During the hearing, the defendants pleaded not guilty. In response, the prosecution, led by Abba Mohammed, SAN, demanded a trial date and remand.
Meanwhile, defense counsels Mohammed Ndayako and Chris Uche, SAN, sought bail, arguing that Jaja’s pivotal role in state finances justified his release.
However, the prosecution opposed bail, citing Jaja’s prior evasion of administrative bail and his residence outside Abuja as flight risks.
“We filed a counter-affidavit on April 4, urging the court to deny bail,” Mohammed asserted.
After careful consideration, Justice Egwuatu granted bail at N200 million for each defendant, requiring two sureties from Abuja. One surety must be a federal employee above Grade Level 17 with a three-year tax record.
Furthermore, the defendants must surrender their passports. This action restricts their ability to travel until further notice.
Meanwhile, while waiting for bail conditions to be fulfilled, Jaja was released into the custody of Hassan L. Yakubu, SAN.
Conversely, Abubakar remains at Kuje Correctional Centre because he did not comply with the bail requirements.
The trial will resume on June 17, 2025. This case underscores the EFCC’s commitment to combating public-sector corruption, as stated on their X (formerly Twitter) handle on April 17: “We will hold perpetrators accountable.”
As proceedings continue, the public will closely watch this high-profile case, reflecting the EFCC’s determination to enforce transparency and accountability in governance.
The outcome could set a precedent for future anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria.
Post Views: 5
