The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has re-arraigned Bauchi State Accountant-General, Sirajo Jaja, alongside a Bureau de Change operator, Aliyu Abubakar, over an alleged N1.6 billion fraud.
The duo appeared before Justice O. A. Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on amended charges related to alleged diversion of public funds and money laundering.
According to the commission, “The duo were re-arraigned on an amended five-count charge, bordering on conversion of public funds belonging to Bauchi State Government, and money laundering to the tune of N1,635,270,350.9.”
It added that “They were earlier arraigned on April 7, 2025, with Jaja as the first defendant, while Abubakar was the second… However, in the amended charge… Abubakar… became the first defendant and Jaja, the second.”
One of the charges stated that both defendants allegedly converted over N1.29 billion of public funds between October and December 2024, while another count accused them of laundering over N426 million between January and March 2025.
The defendants, however, pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges.
Following their plea, their legal representatives requested that they continue on the bail previously granted by the court, a request the prosecution did not oppose.
The defence team also challenged the validity of some counts, arguing they were repetitive and could lead to double jeopardy. The court, however, deferred ruling on the objection until the conclusion of the trial.
During proceedings, the prosecution presented its first witness, a compliance officer with United Bank for Africa, who told the court that the bank provided account statements to the EFCC as part of its investigation.
The witness detailed multiple transactions, including transfers from a Bauchi State sub-treasury account to the account of Jasfad Resources Enterprise within the period under review.
The case was adjourned to May 12, 2026, for continuation of the trial.