ABUJA, Nigeria — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Alhaji Sirajo Mohammed Jaja, the Accountant General of Bauchi State, over an alleged ₦70 billion fraud.
Jaja was apprehended in Abuja on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 alongside Aliyu Abubakar, an unlicensed Bureau de Change (BDC) operator, and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a Point of Sale (PoS) operator.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest in a statement on Wednesday, stating that the arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering, diversion of public funds, and misappropriation of state resources.
The statement read, “He was arrested in Abuja on Wednesday, 19 March 2025, alongside Aliyu Abubakar of Jasfad Resources Enterprise, an unlicensed bureau de change operator, and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a Point of Sale (PoS) operator. They were arrested in connection with investigations of money laundering, diversion of public funds, and misappropriation to the tune of ₦70 billion.”
The EFCC is also probing Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, in connection with the case.
“The Commission is investigating the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, regarding the matter,” the statement added.
Preliminary investigations revealed that cash withdrawals of ₦59 billion were made through various bank accounts opened and operated by the Accountant General on behalf of the state government.
The funds were allegedly moved to Abubakar and Sambo, who in turn made cash payments to party agents and associates of the governor.
“Already, investigations showed that cash withdrawal of ₦59 billion had been made through various bank accounts opened and operated by the Accountant General on behalf of the state government. The money was moved to Abubakar and Sambo, who in turn made cash payments to party agents and associates of the governor,” the EFCC stated.
The anti-graft agency also disclosed that Abubakar, the BDC operator, had earlier jumped bail but was rearrested as part of the ongoing investigation.
The arrest of the Bauchi State Accountant General and his associates underscores the EFCC’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability in the management of public funds.
The EFCC’s probe into Governor Bala Mohammed’s alleged involvement adds another layer of complexity to the case, raising questions about the extent of the alleged fraud and its impact on governance in Bauchi State.
The arrest has sparked reactions across the country, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the scale of the alleged misappropriation and its implications for development in Bauchi State.
