The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned the Accountant General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, and a bureau de change operator, Aliyu Abubakar, before the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, over alleged money laundering and criminal diversion of N1.4 billion in public funds.
The defendants were brought before Justice O.A. Egwuatu on Tuesday on a five-count amended charge involving money laundering, theft, and unlawful conversion of Bauchi State Government funds. Abubakar is being tried under the name of Jasfad Resources Enterprise, a supposed bureau de change.
Three other defendants — Abubakar Muhammed Hafiz, Ari Manga, and Muhammed Aminu Bose — were also listed in the charge but are currently at large.
According to the EFCC, between October 29 and December 31, 2024, the accused persons laundered N1,192,234,627. The Commission stated that Jaja transferred the funds from the Bauchi State Sub-Treasury Account (UBA Account No. 1018819396) to Jasfad Resources Enterprise’s account (UBA Account No. 1023444660).
These offences, the EFCC said, violate Section 18(2)(b) and are punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Both Jaja and Abubakar pleaded not guilty. Their lawyers, Gordy Uche (SAN) and Chris Uche (SAN), asked the court to allow the defendants to continue on the bail terms earlier granted. The prosecution, led by Abba Mohammed (SAN), did not oppose the application.
Justice Egwuatu upheld the existing bail conditions and adjourned the case to July 21, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
…by Ani Juliana.
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Ani Juliana, is A 300l student of the University of Nigeria Nsukka,
With the passion for content writing and Copywriting.
