EFCC Detains Bauchi Accountant-General Over Alleged N70bn Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended Alhaji Sirajo Mohammed Jaja, the Accountant-General of Bauchi State, in connection with a suspected N70 billion fraud.

LEADERSHIP’s investigation revealed that Jaja was arrested in Abuja on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, alongside Aliyu Abubakar, a non-licensed bureau de change (BDC) operator from Jasfad Resources Enterprise, and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a Point of Sale (PoS) operator.

The trio is being investigated for alleged money laundering, misappropriation of public funds, and diversion of state resources amounting to N70 billion.

In a significant development, the EFCC is also probing the involvement of Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, in the case.

Preliminary investigations revealed that a sum of N59 billion was withdrawn through various bank accounts controlled by the Accountant-General on behalf of the state government.

Further findings show that these funds were channeled to Abubakar and Sambo, who then allegedly distributed the money to party agents and associates of the governor.

Additionally, it was uncovered that Abubakar, the BDC operator, had previously evaded arrest but has now been re-captured.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrests when contacted for a statement on the matter.