Manny Ita –
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned Bauchi State Accountant-General, Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, and an unlicensed Bureau de Change operator, Aliyu Abubakar, over an alleged N1.63 billion money laundering case.
The defendants were re-arraigned on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, before Justice O. A. Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on an amended five-count charge.
The EFCC alleged that the defendants conspired to convert and transfer public funds belonging to the Bauchi State Government through various accounts and entities.
In count two of the charge, the commission alleged that N1,290,154,337.20 was transferred from a Bauchi State Sub-Treasury account into a private account linked to Jasfad Resources Enterprise.
In count three, the defendants were accused of converting an additional N426,116,013.70 during another transaction period.
The EFCC said the funds were diverted and laundered through a network of accounts between July and November 2024.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their plea, defence counsel, Gordy Uche (SAN) and Chris Uche (SAN), requested that the defendants continue to enjoy the bail earlier granted to them. The prosecution did not oppose the request.
The case dates back to March 2025, when the EFCC first filed charges alleging diversion and laundering of over N1.8 billion in Bauchi State funds through multiple accounts, including those linked to Polaris Bank.
Justice Egwuatu had previously granted bail of N200 million each to the defendants, totalling N400 million.
The EFCC also alleged that an additional N1.55 billion was transferred and converted by the same network of individuals in 2024.
The trial continues.
