The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, April 7, 2025, arraigned the Accountant General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, before Justice O.A. Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, over alleged N8.3 billion fraud.
Jaja was arraigned alongside bureau de change operator, Aliyu Abubakar, and his firm, Jasfad Resources Enterprise. Others implicated but currently at large include former Secretary to the State Government Ibrahim Kashim, incumbent SSG Aminu Hammayo, Saleh U. Mohammed, and Balarabe Abdullahi.
The accused face a nine-count charge bordering on money laundering, diversion, and criminal misappropriation of public funds totaling N8,380,626,430.95.
One of the charges alleges that Abubakar, his company, and Kashim laundered over N2.8 billion in state funds through bank transfers from the Bauchi State Expenditure Account to Jasfad Resources Enterprise between January and December 2024.
All three defendants pleaded not guilty. Prosecution counsel, Abba Mohammed, SAN, requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the accused, while defence counsel, Mohammed Ndayako, SAN, and Chris Uche, SAN, sought bail.
Uche urged the court to release Jaja, citing his administrative bail status and key role in Bauchi’s financial management. The EFCC opposed the bail application, citing flight risk concerns.
Justice Egwuatu granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N200 million each, with two sureties in like sum—one of whom must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17 residing in Abuja, with evidence of three years’ tax payment. Passports are to be deposited with the court.
While Jaja was remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending the fulfillment of bail conditions, Abubakar was released to the Bauchi State Attorney General, Hassan L. Yakubu, SAN.
The case was adjourned to June 17, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
