The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned Bauchi State’s Accountant General, Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, and Aliyu Abubakar, a bureau de change operator, before the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on charges of money laundering and criminal diversion of public funds worth ₦1.4 billion.
On Tuesday, the two persons were re-arraigned before Justice O.A. Egwuatu on five new allegations of money laundering, theft, and unlawful conversion of funds belonging to the Bauchi State Government.
Abubakar is being prosecuted under the corporate name Jasfad Resources Enterprise, which is said to be a bureau de change enterprise.
Abubakar Muhammed Hafiz, Ari Manga, and Muhammed Aminu Bose have all been identified as defendants but are now fleeing capture.
The EFCC alleges that the defendants, as well as those who are still at large, committed these crimes in Abuja between October 29, 2024 and December 31, 2024.
The commission informed the court that the defendants participated in money laundering by converting a total of ₦1,192,234,627 in public funds from the Bauchi State Government.
The anti-graft agency also stated in court that Jaja transferred the aforementioned amount from the Bauchi State Sub-Treasury Account, which is held at United Bank for Africa under account number 1018819396, to the account of Jasfad Resources Enterprise, which is also held at United Bank for Africa under account number 1023444660.
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They are also accused of laundering ₦296,191,000 between January 3 and March 14, 2025, using a similar method.
According to the EFCC, the offences committed violated Sections 18(2)(b) and are punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Nonetheless, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them.
In light of their plea, defense counsel Gordy Uche (SAN) for the first defendant and Chris Uche (SAN) for the second defendant asked the court to allow the defendants to remain on the previously granted bail.
They also requested an adjournment to allow adequate time to thoroughly review the amended charge.
The prosecution, led by Abba Mohammed (SAN), did not oppose the bail application.
As a result, Justice Egwuatu granted the request, confirming that the original bail conditions would remain in effect, and adjourned the case until July 21, 2025, for the trial to begin.
