- The Federal High Court in Abuja has continued the trial of Bauchi State Accountant-General, Sirajo Jaja, and Aliyu Abubakar following an amended five-count charge.
- Evidence presented on Tuesday revealed multiple debit transfers from the Bauchi State Sub-Treasury account to a private enterprise between October 2024 and March 2025.
- Both defendants maintained their “not guilty” plea regarding the alleged conversion of N1.6 billion in public funds and were allowed to remain on bail.
The prosecution of Bauchi State’s Accountant-General, Sirajo Jaja, entered a new phase on Tuesday at the Federal High Court as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented a second amended charge.
Eko Hot Blog reports that alongside Aliyu Abubakar, an unlicensed Bureau de Change operator, Jaja is facing trial for the alleged money laundering of over N1.6 billion belonging to the Bauchi State Government.
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During the session presided over by Justice O. A. Egwuatu, the court heard testimony from a compliance officer at United Bank for Africa (UBA), who served as the first prosecution witness.
The witness provided a detailed account of how funds were moved from the official State Sub-Treasury account to Jasfad Resources Enterprises.
Bank records reportedly showed a series of transfers, including a N50 million debit on October 30, 2024, and another N426 million converted between January and March 2025.
Defense counsel, including Gordy Uche (SAN) and Chris Uche (SAN), argued that some of the charges were duplicative, potentially leading to “double jeopardy” for their clients.
While they urged the court to strike out several counts, Justice Egwuatu reserved his ruling on that matter until the conclusion of the trial, citing the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
Despite the gravity of the N1.63 billion fraud allegations, the court granted the defendants’ request to continue their existing bail.
The trial has been adjourned to May 12, 2026, when the prosecution is expected to call further witnesses to testify on the movement of the state’s public funds into private accounts.
