EFCC Witness Exposes How Bauchi Accountant-General Diverted ₦1.6bn State Funds to Private Firm
Abuja, Nigeria—September 21, 2026—A dramatic courtroom revelation on Monday laid bare alleged systematic diversions of public funds by the Accountant-General of Bauchi State, as a bank official walked the Federal High Court through a trail of transfers totaling over ₦1.63 billion.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Sirajo Muhammed Jaja alongside Aliyu Abubakar, Abubakar Muhammed Hafiz, Ari Manga and Muhammed Aminu Bose on an amended five-count charge of money laundering, diversion of public funds and criminal misappropriation. The alleged sum stands at ₦1,635,270,350.9.
Bank Official Lays Out the Money Trail
Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer with United Bank for Africa (UBA), testified as the first prosecution witness (PW1) before Justice Obiora Egwuatu.
She explained that her duties include responding to requests from law enforcement agencies and reviewing account activities.
According to her testimony, the defendants, as signatories to Bauchi State Sub-Treasury accounts, allegedly moved funds into the account of JASFAD Resources Enterprises, a private company linked to first defendant Aliyu Abubakar.
Abimbola provided a detailed chronology of transactions. On 29 October 2024 alone, three credit transfers hit the JASFAD account from the Sub-Treasury: ₦13,144,500, ₦17,169,300, and ₦46,030,500. Subsequent movements included:
- 7 November 2024: ₦17,886,250
- 15 November 2024: ₦12,215,000 and ₦16,919,750
- 19 November 2024: ₦90,373,550
- 22 November 2024: ₦140,087,500
- 24 December 2024: ₦24,192,000 and ₦48,892,500
- 27 December 2024: ₦335,040,000 and ₦300,000,000
- Additional transfers in late December 2024, February and March 2025 ranging from ₦11 million to over ₦56 million.
She told the court that many of the transfers carried the notation “by order of the Sub-treasury Bauchi Account.”
The EFCC tendered the relevant state account statements and the bank’s written responses as exhibits.
Background of the Case
Jaja and Abubakar were earlier arraigned and later re-arraigned on amended charges.
The anti-graft agency alleges that between late October 2024 and mid-March 2025, public funds belonging to the Bauchi State Government were converted and channelled into the private company’s account in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Defence counsel indicated they would cross-examine the witness on a later date. Justice Egwuatu adjourned the matter to 22 October 2026 for continuation of cross-examination and further trial.
Wider Implications
The case has drawn attention to oversight of state treasury operations and the role of financial institutions in detecting suspicious transfers.
EFCC officials maintain that the prosecution is part of broader efforts to recover diverted public resources and hold officials accountable.
As the trial progresses, the court will hear further evidence and cross-examination.
Both the prosecution and defence continue to present their positions under the watchful eyes of Nigerians concerned about transparency in public finance management at the state level.
*This report is based on the official EFCC court update and contemporaneous news coverage of the proceedings as of 21 September 2026.*
news Olukoyede Warns LG Chairmen: Accountability Must Now Reach Nigeria’s Grassroots
politics Speaker Abbas Urges Religious Leaders to Champion Peace Ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Elections
politics Kwankwaso Vows NDC Will Restore Fuel Subsidy in New Form to End Economic Mess
news Oyo Police Arrest Three Suspects, Recover Stolen Hyundai Sonata from Lagos
news Sowore Accuses Tinubu of Medical Cover-Up as President Extends Europe Stay, Skips UNGA Again
How do you feel about this news?
Community Additions
Have a news tip, correction, or extra context about this story? Post it below instantly. All submissions appear live on this screen immediately.