EFCC Rearraigns Bauchi Accountant General Over N1.63 Billion

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) rearraigned Bauchi State Accountant General Sirajo Muhammad Jaja and Aliyu Abubakar, an unlicensed Bureau de Change operator, on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, over charges of money laundering totaling N1.63 billion. The duo was initially arraigned on April 7, 2025, but the charges were amended, leading to their re-arraignment under five counts that involve the conversion of public funds belonging to the Bauchi State government.

The amounts in question include N1,290,154,337.2 and N426,116,013.7, which were allegedly transferred to accounts associated with Abubakar and Jaja. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Their counsel filed a motion challenging the competence of the charges, arguing that some counts were duplicative and could lead to double jeopardy. The court has reserved its ruling on this matter until the end of the trial.