The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned the Accountant-General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, alongside a bureau de change operator, Aliyu Abubakar, on allegations of laundering and criminal diversion of public funds totalling N1.4 billion.
The duo was brought before Justice O.A. Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday, facing five amended counts bordering on money laundering, stealing, and unlawful conversion of state funds.
Abubakar is being tried under the name of Jasfad Resources Enterprise, a purported bureau de change firm. Also listed as co-defendants in the case, but currently on the run, are Abubakar Muhammed Hafiz, Ari Manga, and Muhammed Aminu Bose.
According to the EFCC, the offences were committed between October 29 and December 31, 2024, in Abuja. The anti-graft agency alleged that the defendants laundered the sum of N1,192,234,627, which was part of public funds belonging to the Bauchi State Government.
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In court filings, the commission claimed that Jaja transferred the funds from the Bauchi State Sub-Treasury Account domiciled in United Bank for Africa (UBA) with account number 1018819396, into the account of Jasfad Resources Enterprise, also domiciled in UBA with account number 1023444660.
The EFCC further alleged that between January 3 and March 14, 2025, the defendants laundered an additional N296,191,000 through similar means.
Prosecuting counsel, Abba Mohammed (SAN), told the court that the acts constituted money laundering offences under Section 18(2)(b) and are punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
When the charges were read, both Jaja and Abubakar pleaded not guilty.
Following their pleas, counsel to the first defendant, Gordy Uche (SAN), and second defendant’s counsel, Chris Uche (SAN), urged the court to permit their clients to continue on the bail earlier granted to them.
They also requested time to review the amended charges and prepare adequately for trial.
The prosecution did not oppose the request. Justice Egwuatu granted the application, maintaining that the previous bail conditions would remain valid.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to July 21, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
