EFCC’s Arrest of Bauchi Accountant-General Political Witch-Hunt, Says Gov. Mohammed
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has described the arrest of the state’s Accountant-General, Sirajo Jaja, by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as a political witch-hunt aimed at targeting the opposition.
The EFCC had arrested Jaja along with two other suspects: Aliyu Abubakar, a bureau de change operator from Jasfad Resources Enterprise, and Sanusi Ibrahim Sambo, a point-of-sale (PoS) operator. Abubakar had previously jumped bail.
The anti-corruption agency alleges that Jaja made cash withdrawals of about N59 billion through various bank accounts he opened and operated. In addition, the EFCC stated that it was investigating Governor Mohammed in connection to the matter.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado, Governor Mohammed said that while the state government acknowledges the involvement of the Accountant-General’s office in the alleged fraud, the matter is under investigation by the Bauchi State Anti-Corruption Agency. He stressed that the EFCC is aware of this ongoing investigation, which has led to the removal, arrest, and continued probe of the former Accountant General and several permanent secretaries.
Governor Mohammed condemned what he viewed as arbitrary treatment of state officials and reaffirmed that the state government would explore all constitutional and legal avenues to ensure that its officials were not unfairly targeted or treated unjustly.
He expressed surprise at the timing and manner of Jaja’s arrest, particularly since the governor was in Abuja attending the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting at the time.
The governor said, “Many Nigerians now view this as nothing more than a political witch-hunt rather than a genuine anti-corruption effort. The timing and manner of the arrest cast doubt on the real intention behind it.”
Governor Mohammed also emphasized Bauchi State’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, citing that the administration has been independently ranked among the most transparent in public financial management.
“We conduct government business fairly and in full compliance with established regulations. Our track record speaks for itself, and we remain resolute in upholding good governance,” he added.
