The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, April 7, 2025, arraigned the Accountant General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, before Justice O.A. Egwuatu at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, over his alleged involvement in an N8.3 billion fraud involving the diversion and laundering of public funds.

Jaja was docked alongside a Bureau de Change operator, Aliyu Abubakar, and his company, Jasfad Resources Enterprise. Also implicated, though currently at large, are a former Secretary to the State Government, Ibrahim Kashim; the current SSG, Aminu Hammayo; Saleh U. Mohammed; and Balarabe Abdullahi.

The accused face a nine-count charge bordering on money laundering, criminal misappropriation, and diversion of public funds. One of the charges alleges the laundering of over N2.8 billion from the Bauchi State Expenditure Account into Jasfad Resources’ UBA account between January and December 2024.

The defendants pleaded not guilty. Prosecution counsel Abba Mohammed, SAN, opposed their bail, citing flight risk concerns, especially as one of the accused had previously jumped bail.

However, after arguments, Justice Egwuatu granted bail to all three defendants at N200 million each, with two Abuja-based sureties, including one federal civil servant not below Grade Level 17. Passports are to be deposited with the court.

Pending bail perfection, the Accountant General was released to the Bauchi State Attorney General, while Aliyu Abubakar was remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre.

The trial is scheduled to begin on June 17, 2025.