Court Denies Bauchi Accountant General Hajj Travel Request

On Tuesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice O. Egwuatu, rejected an application filed by Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, the Accountant General of Bauchi State, seeking permission to travel to Saudi Arabia for the Muslim pilgrimage, Hajj.

Jaja is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside Aliyu Abubakar, an unlicensed bureau de change operator, on five counts of money laundering involving funds belonging to the Bauchi State government, totaling N1,635,270,350.09. During the proceedings, Jaja's counsel, Chri Uch (SAN), informed the court of the application for leave to travel for two weeks for medical checks and pilgrimage.

The prosecution, represented by Abba Muhammed (SAN), opposed the application, citing flight risk due to the large sums involved in the charges. The court ultimately struck down the application and adjourned the matter until June 30, 2026, for continued trial.