The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned the Accountant-General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, alongside bureau de change operator Aliyu Abubakar, on charges bordering on money laundering and criminal diversion of public funds totalling N1.4 billion.
The re-arraignment took place on Tuesday before Justice O.A. Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, with both defendants facing five amended counts of criminal conspiracy, money laundering, and conversion of funds belonging to the Bauchi State Government.
Aliyu Abubakar is being prosecuted under the trading name Jasfad Resources Enterprise, which is presented as a bureau de change.
Three other individuals — Abubakar Muhammed Hafiz, Ari Manga, and Muhammed Aminu Bose — were also named in the case but are currently at large.
Allegations by the EFCC
According to the EFCC, the offences occurred between October 29 and December 31, 2024, when over N1.19 billion was allegedly siphoned from the Bauchi State Sub-Treasury Account (United Bank for Africa, Account No. 1018819396) and transferred into the account of Jasfad Resources Enterprise (UBA Account No. 1023444660).
The anti-graft agency further alleged that an additional N296.1 million was laundered through similar channels between January 3 and March 14, 2025.
The charges brought against the defendants are in violation of Sections 18(2)(b) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Defendants Plead Not Guilty
Both Sirajo Jaja and Aliyu Abubakar pleaded not guilty to all charges. Their respective counsel, Gordy Uche (SAN) and Chris Uche (SAN), urged the court to allow their clients to remain on the bail terms previously granted.
The prosecution, led by Abba Mohammed (SAN), raised no objections to the continuation of bail. As a result, Justice Egwuatu upheld the existing bail conditions and adjourned the matter to July 21, 2025, for trial commencement.
