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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested the Accountant General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Jaja, over alleged fraud involving N70 billion.
This was contained in a statement by EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale on Wednesday.
Oyewale said Jaja was arrested in Abuja on Wednesday alongside Aliyu Abubakar, an alleged unlicensed bureau de change, BDC operator from Jasfad Resources Enterprise, and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a Point of Sale, PoS operator.
He disclosed that the arrests are connected to an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering, diversion of public funds, and misappropriation of state resources.
According to him, the anti-graft agency is also investigating Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed in connection with the matter.
“The investigation has revealed that cash withdrawals amounting to N59 billion were made through various bank accounts operated by the Accountant General on behalf of the state government. The funds were allegedly moved to Aliyu Abubakar and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, who subsequently made cash payments to party agents and associates of the governor,” he said.
The EFCC spokesman further revealed that Abubakar, who had previously jumped bail, had been rearrested.
“We are committed to tracing and recovering the diverted funds, and those found culpable will face the full weight of the law,” Oyewale added.
EFCC stated that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects remain in custody for further questioning.
In other news Hope Uzodimma, the governor of Imo State, delivered a sobering assessment of the dire security situation in Imo West, known as the Orlu Zone. During a recent inspection of ongoing state projects in the region, he highlighted how persistent threats have ravaged public infrastructure and stifled socio-economic progress.
Amid the survey of construction sites, he struck a note of cautious optimism. Security, he observed, has reached a state of relative stability—a modest gain, but a meaningful one. Surrounded by the steady rhythm of development work, he cast the present moment as a pivotal opportunity for renewal. He described the widespread building efforts as an “infrastructural revolution,” a deliberate strategy to reposition Imo State for sustained economic and social advancement. His vision, articulated with conviction, positions these projects as a foundation for enduring prosperity, reflecting a calculated commitment to the state’s future.
“We have a pack of multiple constructions and road projects to recover the economy of the zone and also to recover life for our people in this area”, he said, stressing his resolve to impact positively on the lives and wellbeing of Imo people.