The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Dutsinma, Katsina State, Professor Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi, over alleged bribery involving the sum of N19.7 million.
Bichi was brought before the Katsina State High Court on Thursday, February 5, 2026, by the Kano Zonal Directorate of the EFCC. He was arraigned alongside two other defendants, Lawal Tukur Mani and Aliyu Lawal Jari.
The case is being heard by Honourable Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar. The three defendants are facing a five-count charge bordering on bribery and abuse of office.
According to the EFCC, Professor Bichi allegedly received bribes from contractors through his co-defendants while serving as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Dutsinma. The commission claimed that the payments were kickbacks linked to contracts awarded by the university during his tenure.
One of the charges stated that in July 2023, Bichi allegedly obtained a bribe of N5 million from Mr Theophilus Ilechukwu of Goezek International Agency Nigeria Limited. The money was said to be gratification for the award of contracts for the supply of medical equipment and laboratory furnishings to the university.
The EFCC told the court that the N5 million was not paid directly to Bichi but was deposited into an Access Bank account belonging to the third defendant, Aliyu Lawal Jari.
According to the prosecution, this act violated Sections 79(a), (b), and (i) of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State, 2021.
The anti-graft agency further alleged that the former Vice-Chancellor received a total of N19.7 million through the second and third defendants. The funds were said to have come from different contractors who benefited from various projects awarded by the university.
The EFCC claimed that the alleged payments formed part of a pattern of abuse of office, where public contracts were used to demand and receive illegal benefits.
The commission did not give full details of all the contracts involved at this stage but said the matter would be fully explained during trial.
When the charges were read in court, Professor Bichi and his two co-defendants pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
Following their pleas, the prosecuting counsel, Mr Salihu Sani, asked the court to fix a trial date. He said the prosecution needed time to assemble its witnesses and present documentary evidence to support the charges.
Defence lawyers, Mr A. L. Yusuf and Mr Raphael Henry, who represented the defendants, separately applied for bail on behalf of their clients.
They argued that the defendants were law-abiding citizens and would not interfere with the trial if granted bail. They also told the court that the offences were bailable and that their clients were ready to meet any conditions imposed by the court.
Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar granted bail to each of the three defendants in the sum of N5 million. The judge also ordered that each defendant must provide one surety in like sum.
The court ruled that the sureties must be responsible individuals who could guarantee the defendants’ appearance in court throughout the trial.
The judge then adjourned the case to March 12, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The EFCC is Nigeria’s leading agency for investigating and prosecuting financial crimes, including bribery, corruption, and abuse of office. In recent years, the commission has stepped up investigations into alleged corruption within public institutions, including universities and other educational bodies.
Federal universities in Nigeria manage large budgets for infrastructure, equipment, and services. These funds are meant to support teaching, research, and student welfare. However, there have been growing concerns about corruption in the award of contracts and management of resources in some institutions.
The EFCC has said it is determined to ensure that public officers, including those in the education sector, are held accountable for the management of public funds.
The arraignment of a former Vice-Chancellor has drawn public attention because university leaders are expected to uphold high standards of integrity. Vice-Chancellors play key roles in approving contracts and overseeing the use of government funds allocated to their institutions.
Education stakeholders have said cases like this highlight the need for stronger oversight and transparency in the management of universities.
Anti-corruption advocates also argue that corruption in the education sector affects the quality of learning and development, as funds meant for facilities and research are diverted for personal gain.
As the trial begins in March, the prosecution is expected to call witnesses, including contractors and bank officials, to explain how the alleged payments were made and linked to contract awards.
The defence, on the other hand, is expected to challenge the EFCC’s claims and argue that the defendants did not commit the offences alleged against them.
For now, Professor Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi and his co-defendants remain on bail, as the court prepares to hear full arguments from both sides.
