Court Denies Bauchi Accountant General Hajj Travel Request

On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Justice O. Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja rejected an application filed by the Bauchi State Accountant General, seeking permission to travel to Saudi Arabia for the Muslim pilgrimage and a medical check-up. The application was opposed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is prosecuting the Accountant General alongside Aliyu Abubakar for alleged financial crimes, including money laundering involving over 1.6 billion naira.

The court heard that the defense had already received the prosecution's response, which objected to the travel request, citing the defendant's status as a flight risk due to the serious charges. The defense counsel, Chris Uchendu, informed the court of the application, while the prosecution's counsel, Abba Muhammed, emphasized the need to deny the request.

Justice Egwuatu subsequently struck out the application and adjourned the matter until June 30, 2026, for continued trial.