ABUJA, Nigeria — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned the Bauchi State Accountant-General, Sirajo Jaja, on an amended five-count charge of alleged money laundering and criminal conversion of public funds totalling ₦1.48 billion.
Mr Jaja appeared on Monday, June 16, 2025, before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, alongside co-defendants Aliyu Abubakar, a Bureau de Change operator, and his firm, Jasfad Resources Enterprise.
The charges, which now include fewer counts and a lower sum than an earlier nine-count charge involving ₦8.38 billion, centre on alleged unauthorised transfers from the Bauchi State sub-treasury to a private account controlled by Jasfad Resources.
All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the amended charges.
According to the EFCC, between October and December 2024, over ₦1.19 billion was allegedly transferred from the state’s sub-treasury account to Jasfad Resources Enterprise under the guise of legitimate government transactions.
A further ₦296 million was allegedly laundered using the same method between January and March 2025.
The anti-graft agency argued that the transactions were carried out “under false pretence of genuine financial transactions” but were, in fact, intended “to convert public funds for personal use”.
Three other individuals—Abubakar Muhammed Hafiz, Ari Manga, and Muhammed Aminu Bose—were also named as persons of interest in connection with the alleged scheme but are currently at large.
Defence counsels Gordy Uche and Chris Uche, both Senior Advocates of Nigeria, urged the court to allow the defendants to remain on the same bail terms previously granted during the initial arraignment.
Justice Egwuatu granted the request and adjourned proceedings.
The EFCC is expected to present its first witnesses at the next hearing as the trial begins in earnest.
