The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Sirajo Mohammed Jaja, the Accountant General of Bauchi State, on charges of fraud involving a staggering N70 billion. Jaja was taken into custody in Abuja along with two other individuals: Aliyu Abubakar, an unlicensed bureau de change operator, and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a Point of Sale (POS) operator.
The arrests come as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of money laundering, the diversion of public funds, and the misappropriation of state resources, all tied to Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed. According to a statement from the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the suspects were apprehended in connection with their involvement in the alleged mismanagement and illegal movement of government funds.
The EFCC’s investigation revealed that a massive N59 billion in cash was withdrawn through various bank accounts that were opened and operated by the Accountant General, Sirajo Mohammed Jaja, on behalf of the Bauchi State government. These withdrawals were reportedly made in a series of transactions that raised significant red flags for financial misconduct.
The money withdrawn from the government accounts was then allegedly funneled to Aliyu Abubakar and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo. The two men are believed to have played key roles in the scheme, acting as intermediaries who received the funds and then made cash payments to party agents and associates of Governor Bala Mohammed.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the diversion of such a large sum of money may have been used to influence political activities, particularly in relation to the governor’s re-election efforts. The money was reportedly funneled through complex financial channels to obscure its origin and intended use.
Aliyu Abubakar, an unlicensed bureau de change operator, is suspected to have been instrumental in facilitating the conversion of large sums of money. As part of his alleged involvement, Abubakar is believed to have helped in converting the diverted state funds into cash and then transferring them to Sambo.
Sambo, a Point of Sale (POS) operator, is thought to have played a significant role in the physical movement of cash and the distribution of the funds to political agents and others connected to the governor’s administration. The POS operations allowed for quick and relatively untraceable payments to be made, further complicating the investigation into the use of public funds.
Together, the trio allegedly devised a system to launder the money and ensure it reached the intended recipients without leaving a clear paper trail. The involvement of a bureau de change operator and a POS operator suggests that the scheme relied heavily on unregulated financial channels to mask the illicit activities.
The EFCC’s arrest of Sirajo Mohammed Jaja, along with his associates, highlights the commission’s ongoing commitment to tackling corruption and financial crimes at all levels of government. The alleged N70 billion fraud case is one of the largest involving state officials in recent times and underscores the depth of financial misconduct within certain state governments.
In a statement, the EFCC highlighted that the investigation is part of its broader efforts to combat the diversion of public funds and ensure that corrupt officials are held accountable for their actions. The commission also reiterated its commitment to prosecuting those involved in money laundering, fraud, and other forms of economic sabotage.
“The EFCC remains resolute in its fight against corruption, particularly within government institutions where public funds are entrusted. We will continue to expose and prosecute those who exploit their positions for personal gain, thereby undermining the resources meant for the development of the state and the well-being of the citizens,” said Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s spokesperson.
The arrest of the Accountant General and his associates is closely linked to allegations of financial mismanagement surrounding Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State. While the governor has not yet been formally charged, the ongoing investigation suggests that the funds in question were diverted under his administration.
The accusations against Governor Mohammed center around allegations of money laundering and the diversion of public funds for personal or political use. The involvement of high-ranking state officials, including the Accountant General, in these illegal activities raises serious questions about the management of public funds in Bauchi State.
The EFCC is expected to continue its investigation into the governor’s role in the alleged fraud, with a particular focus on whether he directly benefited from the diverted funds or had any involvement in directing how the money was used. The investigation is also expected to explore whether other state officials were complicit in the illegal activities.
The timing of the arrests and the nature of the allegations have raised eyebrows across Nigeria’s political landscape. The investigation and the potential prosecution of high-ranking government officials could have significant political implications, especially for Governor Bala Mohammed, who is currently in office. While the governor has denied any wrongdoing, the ongoing investigation casts a shadow over his administration and may impact his political future.
The arrest of the Accountant General and his associates comes at a time when there is growing concern over corruption within Nigerian state governments. This case adds to a long list of corruption scandals involving public officials, reinforcing the need for greater oversight and transparency in the management of public funds.
Political observers have noted that the EFCC’s action could serve as a warning to other state officials involved in similar activities. It is expected that the commission will continue to intensify its efforts to tackle corruption, with particular attention on officials who misuse their power and the resources entrusted to them by the people.
Nigerians are calling for accountability and transparency in government finances, especially at the state level, where many believe corruption is rampant. The EFCC’s efforts to uncover and prosecute corrupt practices are seen as a step toward ensuring that public resources are used for their intended purposes, rather than being siphoned off for personal gain.
In addition to the investigation of Governor Bala Mohammed, the EFCC is expected to continue its scrutiny of other public officials across the country. As more cases of financial misconduct come to light, there is growing pressure on the government to take stronger action against corruption at all levels of administration.
