The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the Accountant General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, before Justice O.A. Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on charges of fraud and money laundering.
Jaja was arraigned alongside bureau de change operator Aliyu Abubakar and his company, Jasfad Resources Enterprise.
Also implicated, though currently at large, are former Secretary to the Bauchi State Government Ibrahim Kashim, the current Secretary to the State Government Aminu Hammayo, as well as Saleh U. Mohammed and Balarabe Abdullahi.
The defendants face a nine-count charge involving the alleged diversion and laundering of N8.38 billion in public funds.
According to the EFCC, between January 5 and December 10, 2024, Abubakar, Jasfad Resources, and Kashim allegedly laundered N2.8 billion from the Bauchi State Government’s expenditure account into Jasfad’s UBA account—an act that contravenes provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
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All defendants pleaded not guilty. The prosecution, represented by Abba Mohammed, SAN, requested their remand, while the defence, led by Mohammed Ndayako, SAN, and Chris Uche, SAN, applied for bail.
Uche argued for the release of Jaja, citing his crucial role in state finances and his current administrative bail. He requested bail on self-recognition or for him to be released to the Bauchi State Attorney General, Hassan L. Yakubu, SAN.
Opposing the application, the prosecution warned the court that the first defendant had previously violated administrative bail terms and said Jaja’s residence outside Abuja made him a flight risk.
After hearing both sides, Justice Egwuatu granted bail of N200 million each to the defendants, with two sureties in like sum. One surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17, residing in Abuja, and must provide tax clearance for the past three years. Defendants were also ordered to surrender their passports.
Pending fulfillment of bail conditions, Jaja was remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre, while the court released the third defendant to the custody of the Bauchi State Attorney General.
The case has been adjourned to June 17, 2025, for trial.
