The Federal High Court in Abuja has declared Adamu Aliyu, a member of the Plateau State House of Assembly representing Jos North-North constituency, wanted over alleged involvement in a ₦73.6 million fraud case.
Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Friday after granting an application filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The ruling authorises the anti-graft agency to publish a “wanted person” notice in national newspapers, on social media platforms, and other public channels.
It also empowers law enforcement agencies and even private citizens to arrest Aliyu and hand him over to the ICPC.
According to court filings, the case stems from a petition by businessman Mohammed Jidda, who accused Aliyu of using a forged Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) contract to defraud him.
Jidda alleged that Aliyu promised to help him secure an ₦850 million TETFund contract at the University of Jos, backed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Acting on the purported contract award letter later confirmed as forged, Jidda reportedly paid ₦73.6 million into accounts linked to Aliyu and a company, Imanal Concept Ltd.
Investigations revealed that ₦47.8 million was lodged into Aliyu’s personal account, ₦22.4 million into Imanal Concept Ltd’s account, and ₦3.2 million directly to the lawmaker.
However, when Jidda approached the university, he discovered that no such contract existed. The University of Jos subsequently confirmed in writing that the award letter was fake.
The ICPC told the court that despite repeated invitations, served through the Clerk of the Plateau Assembly and acknowledged on Aliyu’s WhatsApp, the lawmaker failed to appear before investigators. Intelligence reports also suggested he was planning to flee the country.
In his defence, Aliyu denied the allegations, insisting that he was unaware of ICPC’s summons while he was abroad.
He further claimed to have refunded ₦45 million to Jidda’s company, describing the dispute as a civil matter rather than a criminal case.
His lawyers, Adams & Co Firstlog Chambers, have since petitioned the ICPC, maintaining that the issue is pending before a civil court.
Nevertheless, court filings confirm that Aliyu remains under investigation for corruption, forgery, cheating, and abuse of office.
Justice Nwite granted ICPC’s full request, paving the way for local and international enforcement, including INTERPOL intervention, should the lawmaker attempt to abscond.
Credit: PoliticsNigeria except headline
