EFCC Arrests Bauchi Accountant General Over N70bn Fraud

The Accountant General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Jaja, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over allegations of money laundering and public fund diversion amounting to N70 billion.

Jaja was taken into custody in Abuja on Wednesday, March 19, alongside an unlicensed Bureau De Change operator, Aliyu Abubakar of Jasfad Resources Enterprise, and a Point of Sale operator, Sunusi Sambo.

A source within the EFCC told Punch that the suspects are being investigated for large-scale financial misconduct, with records showing cash withdrawals totaling N59 billion from various bank accounts linked to the Accountant General’s office.

“They were arrested in connection with investigations of money laundering, diversion of public funds, and misappropriation to the tune of N70 billion,” the source revealed.

The EFCC has intensified its probe into the financial transactions linked to the Bauchi State government, with concerns over how the alleged misappropriated funds were moved and utilized.

When reached for comments, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrests but declined to provide additional details on the ongoing investigation.