The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned Sirajo Jaja, the Bauchi state accountant-general, over his alleged involvement in a N1.48 billion fraud.
Jaja was re-arraigned before Obiora Egwuatu, judge of a
federal high court in Abuja, alongside Aliyu Abubakar, a Bureau de Change
operator, and his company, Jasfad Resources Enterprise.
The defendants are facing a five-count amended charge
bordering on money laundering, theft, and criminal conversion of public funds.
The EFCC had earlier arraigned the defendants on April 7 in
a nine-count charge of alleged laundering and diversion of N8.38 billion.
However, the amended charge has reduced the number of counts
and the amount allegedly misappropriated.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
In the amended charge, the EFCC accused the defendants of
unlawfully transferring over N1.19 billion of Bauchi government funds from the
state’s sub-treasury account into a private account belonging to Jasfad
Resources Enterprise between October and December 2024.
In another count, they were alleged to have laundered an
additional N296 million between January and March 2025, using the same method –
transferring the funds from the state treasury into the company’s private
account.
The commission argued that the transactions were carried out
under the false pretence of legitimate financial dealings but were meant to
convert public funds for personal use.
The commission also named three other individuals—Abubakar
Muhammed Hafiz, Ari Manga, and Muhammed Aminu Bose—allegedly linked to the
scheme but are currently at large.
Defence lawyers Gordy Uche and Chris Uche requested that the
defendants continue on the bail previously granted, which the court approved.
Egwuatu adjourned the matter until July 21 for the
commencement of trial.
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