April 08, (THEWILL) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, the Bauchi state accountant-general, before the Federal High Court in Abuja for alleged fraud.
Jaja was arraigned on Monday, alongside Aliyu Abubakar, a bureau de change operator, and his company, Jasfad Resources Enterprise, on a nine-count charge bordering on money laundering, diversion of public funds, and criminal misappropriation of funds to the tune of N8,380,626,430.95.
Part of the charges read: “That you, Aliyu Abubakar, Jasfad Resources Enterprise (a Bureau de Change operator), and Ibrahim Kashim (former Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, now at large), sometime between January 5, 2024, and December 10, 2024, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, committed an offence to wit: money laundering by converting and transferring the sum of Two Billion, Eight Hundred and Eight Million, Five Hundred and Ninety-Five Thousand, One Hundred Naira (N2,808,595,100.00) of public funds belonging to the Bauchi State Government from the Bauchi State Expenditure Account, domiciled in United Bank for Africa with account number 1022197086 into the account of Jasfad Resources Enterprise, also domiciled in United Bank for Africa with account number 1023444660, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(b) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
Taking their plea before Justice O.A. Egwuatu, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
They were, however, granted bail in the sum of N200 million each with two sureties in like sum. According to the bail conditions, the two sureties must be residents of Abuja, and one must be a federal government employee not below grade level 17. The sureties must also present evidence of tax payment for the past three years.
The defendants were also ordered to submit their passports to the court registrar.
Meanwhile, the case has been adjourned to June 17 for the commencement of the trial.
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