The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, re-arraigned the Accountant General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, alongside a Bureau de Change operator, Aliyu Abubakar, before Justice O.A. Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, over alleged N1.4 billion fraud.
The defendants were re-arraigned on a five-count amended charge bordering on money laundering, theft, and criminal conversion of public funds. Abubakar is the operator of Jasfad Resources Enterprise, a Bureau de Change firm allegedly used to launder state funds. Three other suspects—Abubakar Muhammed Hafiz, Ari Manga, and Muhammed Aminu Bose—remain at large.
According to the EFCC, between October and December 2024, over N1.1 billion in public funds was transferred from the Bauchi State Sub-Treasury Account into the account of Jasfad Resources Enterprise, allegedly under false pretences. An additional N296 million was also funneled through the same method between January and March 2025.
One of the charges reads:
“That you… did commit an offence to wit: money laundering by converting the sum of N1,192,234,627.00 of public funds belonging to the Bauchi State Government… into the bank account of Jasfad Resources Enterprise… contrary to Section 18(2)(b) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges. Defence counsel, Gordy Uche, SAN, and Chris Uche, SAN, urged the court to allow the defendants to continue on the existing bail granted during the initial arraignment. The prosecution, led by Abba Mohammed, SAN, did not oppose the application.
Justice Egwuatu granted the request and adjourned the matter to July 21, 2025, for commencement of trial.
