The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, the Accountant-General of Bauchi State, on amended charges bordering on a fresh N1.48 billion fraud.
He was arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, alongside Aliyu Abubakar, a Bureau de Change operator, and his company, Jasfad Resources Enterprise.
The trio now faces a five-count amended charge filed by the EFCC, which alleges money laundering, theft, and the criminal conversion of state funds.
Previously arraigned in April on nine counts involving N8.38 billion, the latest charge trims down both the count and amount allegedly misappropriated.
According to the EFCC, over N1.19 billion was unlawfully moved from Bauchi’s sub-treasury into the private account of Jasfad Resources between October and December 2024.
The agency further claims another N296 million was laundered using a similar method between January and March 2025.
EFCC investigators allege that the financial transactions were disguised as legitimate but were intended to “convert public funds to personal use.”
Three other suspects—Abubakar Muhammed Hafiz, Ari Manga, and Muhammed Aminu Bose—were also named in the scheme but remain at large.
Counsel to the defendants, Gordy Uche and Chris Uche, pleaded that their clients be allowed to continue on the existing bail terms, a request which the court granted.
Justice Egwuatu has adjourned the case to July 21 for the commencement of trial.
