…as Bauchi Accountant General is Arrested Over N70 Billion Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the Bauchi State Accountant General, Sirajo Jaja, over allegations of money laundering and embezzlement involving N70 billion in public funds. The arrest was made in Abuja on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
Also detained were Aliyu Abubakar, an unlicensed Bureau De Change operator linked to Jasfad Resources Enterprise, and Sanusi Ibrahim Sambo, a Point-of-Sale (PoS) operator.
According to the EFCC, the arrests are part of a wider probe into the alleged diversion and misappropriation of state funds under the administration of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who also serves as Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum.
Preliminary findings by the anti-graft agency revealed that N59 billion was withdrawn from multiple state government accounts under Jaja’s control and transferred to Abubakar and Sambo.
The funds were allegedly funneled to political operatives and party loyalists tied to Governor Mohammed. The EFCC further disclosed that Abubakar had previously jumped bail but has now been rearrested.
Confirming the arrests, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the suspects are under investigation, though he declined to give further details regarding Governor Bala Mohammed’s direct involvement at this stage.
This high-profile probe follows closely on the heels of another arrest: Kelly Okungbowa, the suspended coordinator of Edo State’s Public Safety Response Team (PSRT), was detained for naira abuse.
Okungbowa, also known as “Ebo Stone,” was caught on video spraying and mutilating naira notes at a bar on March 9, 2025.
Oyewale confirmed that Okungbowa is in custody and will face prosecution once investigations are complete.
Meanwhile, the Edo State PDP chapter has publicly praised the EFCC for its rapid response in both cases, emphasizing the need for accountability and the rule of law.
It would be recall that barely 24 hours after the PDP Governors’ Forum led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, issued a statement on Wednesday expressing grave concern over the State of emergency declared in Rivers State and the subsequent suspension of the State governor, SIM Fubara, the Bauchi State governor has landed in a big trouble.
The forum accused the president of exacerbating the situation in Rivers rather than seeking a peaceful and lawful resolution.
