The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Sirajo Jaja, Accountant-General of Bauchi State, over allegations of fraud involving over N8.3 billion in public funds.
Jaja was arraigned on Monday before Justice O.A. Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, alongside Aliyu Abubakar, a bureau de change operator, and his company, Jasfad Resources Enterprise.
The anti-graft Agency also listed several others as accomplices in the case, including Ibrahim Kashim, former Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, Aminu Hammayo, the current SSG, Saleh U. Mohammed; and Balarabe Abdullahi all of whom are currently at large.
According to a statement signed by Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, the accused are facing a nine-count charge bordering on money laundering, diversion, and criminal misappropriation of state funds totaling N8,380,626,430.95.
One of the charges detailed how N2.8 billion was allegedly transferred from the Bauchi State Government’s Expenditure Account at United Bank for Africa (UBA) into the account of Jasfad Resources Enterprise, also domiciled in UBA.
According to the statement, all three defendants present in court pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Abba Mohammed, Prosecution Counsel, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the accused, citing concerns over flight risk.
However, Defence Counsel, Mohammed Ndayako, and Chris Uche, argued for bail, with Uche noting that Jaja was already on administrative bail and played a key role in the financial management of Bauchi State.
He asked the Court to grant him bail on self-recognition or release him to the Attorney General of Bauchi State.
Opposing the bail application, the prosecution noted that Abubakar had previously jumped administrative bail and warned that Jaja, who resides outside Abuja, could evade trial.
After hearing both sides, Egwuatu granted bail to each defendant in the sum of N200 million, with two sureties in like sum.
“One of the sureties must be a federal government employee not below Grade Level 17, residing in Abuja, and must show evidence of tax payments for the past three years. The court also ordered the defendants to deposit their international passports with the court registrar”, the statement read.
It also noted that pending the fulfilment of bail conditions, Jaja was released to the Attorney General of Bauchi State, Hassan Yakubu, while Abubakar was remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre.
The case was adjourned to June 17, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
