The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned Sirajo Jaja, the Bauchi state accountant-general, over his alleged involvement in a N1.48 billion fraud.
Jaja was re-arraigned before Obiora Egwuatu, judge of a federal high court in Abuja, alongside Aliyu Abubakar, a Bureau de Change operator, and his company, Jasfad Resources Enterprise.
The defendants are facing a five-count amended charge bordering on money laundering, theft, and criminal conversion of public funds.
The EFCC had earlier arraigned the defendants on April 7 in a nine-count charge of alleged laundering and diversion of N8.38 billion.
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However, the amended charge has reduced the number of counts and the amount allegedly misappropriated.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
In the amended charge, the EFCC accused the defendants of unlawfully transferring over N1.19 billion of Bauchi government funds from the state’s sub-treasury account into a private account belonging to Jasfad Resources Enterprise between October and December 2024.
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In another count, they were alleged to have laundered an additional N296 million between January and March 2025, using the same method – transferring the funds from the state treasury into the company’s private account.
The commission argued that the transactions were carried out under the false pretence of legitimate financial dealings but were meant to convert public funds for personal use.
The commission also named three other individuals—Abubakar Muhammed Hafiz, Ari Manga, and Muhammed Aminu Bose—allegedly linked to the scheme but are currently at large.
Defence lawyers Gordy Uche and Chris Uche requested that the defendants continue on the bail previously granted, which the court approved.
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Egwuatu adjourned the matter until July 21 for the commencement of trial.
