EFCC Re-arraigns Bauchi Accountant-General for Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned Aliyu Abubakar, the Accountant-General of Bauchi State, and Sirajo Jaja on five counts of fraud totaling N1,635,270,350. The initial arraignment occurred on April 7, 2025, with the charges amended subsequently.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include money laundering and the conversion of public funds belonging to the Bauchi State government. The prosecution, led by Abba Muham, presented evidence from Abimbola William, a compliance officer at UBA, who testified about financial transactions linked to the case.

William detailed the bank's receipt of requests from the EFCC and the movement of funds during the investigation, including significant debit transfers on October 29 and 30, 2024. The court has reserved its ruling on a defense application challenging the charges until the trial concludes, which has been adjourned until May 12, 2026.