The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned the Accountant General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, along with Aliyu Abubakar, a bureau de change operator, before the Federal High Court located in Maitama, Abuja, concerning allegations of money laundering and the criminal diversion of public funds amounting to ₦1.4 billion.
The two individuals were re-arraigned on Tuesday before Justice O.A. Egwuatu, facing five counts of revised charges related to money laundering, theft, and the unlawful conversion of funds that belong to the Bauchi State Government.
Abubakar is being prosecuted under the business name of Jasfad Resources Enterprise, which is claimed to be a bureau de change operation.
Also named as defendants, but currently evading capture, are Abubakar Muhammed Hafiz, Ari Manga, and Muhammed Aminu Bose.
The EFCC has alleged that the defendants, along with others who are currently at large, committed these offences between October 29, 2024, and December 31, 2024, in Abuja.
The commission informed the court that the defendants engaged in money laundering by converting a total of ₦1,192,234,627 of public funds that belonged to the Bauchi State Government.
The anti-graft agency further stated in court that Jaja transferred the aforementioned amount from the Bauchi State Sub-Treasury Account, which is held at United Bank for Africa with the account number 1018819396, into the account of Jasfad Resources Enterprise, which is also held at United Bank for Africa with the account number 1023444660.
Additionally, they are accused of laundering another sum of ₦296,191,000 between January 3 and March 14, 2025, through a similar method.
According to the EFCC, the offences committed violated Sections 18(2)(b) and are subject to penalties under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Nevertheless, the defendants entered a plea of not guilty to the charges brought against them.
In light of their plea, the defence counsel, Gordy Uche (SAN) representing the first defendant and Chris Uche (SAN) representing the second defendant, requested that the court permit the defendants to remain on the bail previously granted by the court.
They also sought an adjournment to allow sufficient time to review the amended charge thoroughly.
The prosecution, led by Abba Mohammed (SAN), did not contest the bail application.
As a result, Justice Egwuatu approved the request, confirming that the original bail conditions would remain effective and adjourned the case to July 21, 2025, for the trial to commence.