Court Denies Bauchi AG's Hajj Travel Request Amid Charges

On Tuesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja denied an application from Bauchi State Attorney General Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, which sought permission to travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj. Justice O. Egwuatu ruled that Jaja could not travel for two weeks, as requested, due to concerns about him being a flight risk amidst serious charges.

Jaja is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside Aliyu Abubakar, with five counts of offenses related to money laundering involving N1.6 billion belonging to the Bauchi State government. Jaja's counsel, Chris Uch, informed the court that the application was to allow Jaja to perform a Muslim pilgrimage and undergo a medical check.

However, the prosecution, represented by Abba Muham, opposed the application, arguing that Jaja's travel posed a risk of fleeing. The matter has been adjourned until June 30, 2026, for continued trial.