Allegations

BREAKING: EFCC Arrests Bauchi State Accountant General Over Alleged N70 Billion Fraud

Published

1 month ago

March 19, 2025

By Our Correspondent

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the Accountant General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Jaja, over allegations of financial misappropriation amounting to N70 billion. He was apprehended in Abuja on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, alongside two other individuals: Aliyu Abubakar of Jasfad Resources Enterprise, accused of engaging in illegal currency exchange transactions, and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a financial operator using Point-of-Sale (PoS) machines.

According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the three suspects are being investigated for offenses related to money laundering, embezzlement of public funds, and financial fraud amounting to N70 billion.

A Pattern of High-Profile Corruption Cases

This latest arrest follows a similar case in 2022, when the EFCC arrested Ahmed Idris, the then-Accountant General of the Federation, over allegations of diverting N80 billion in public funds. Idris was accused of using associates and family members to siphon government funds, including financing real estate projects in Kano and Abuja.

Additionally, in May 2022, the EFCC arrested four Chinese nationals and 101 Nigerians in Abuja for alleged internet fraud and financial scams. Reports indicated that these individuals had established criminal networks across Europe and other parts of the world to perpetrate financial crimes.

EFCC’s Intensified Anti-Corruption Fight

These arrests highlight the EFCC’s ongoing crackdown on corruption in Nigeria, particularly among top government officials and individuals involved in financial crimes. The agency has intensified its efforts to combat embezzlement, money laundering, and fraudulent activities, with several high-profile cases making headlines in recent years.

The investigation into Sirajo Jaja and his alleged accomplices is ongoing, and they are expected to face prosecution if found guilty of the charges.

Public Reactions and Implications

The arrest of the Bauchi State Accountant General is expected to spark reactions from the public and political stakeholders, as Nigerians continue to demand greater transparency and accountability in government financial management.

Many are watching closely to see how the EFCC handles the case, particularly in a country where corruption remains a major obstacle to economic development and good governance.

Allegations

NCoS debunks report of blocking Take-It-Back members in Gombe from visiting remanded state coordinator

Published

2 weeks ago

April 14, 2025

DailyFact Desk

By Our Correspondent

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Gombe State Command, has denied allegations that it denied members of Take-It-Back Movement access to visiting remanded state coordinator, Thomas Umar.
This is contained in a press statement issued to journalists in Gombe on Sunday by DSC Abdullahi Hamma, the Command’s spokesperson in the state on behalf of Mr. Salihu Abdullahi, the Controller of Corrections, Gombe State Command.
Hamma described the allegations being peddled by an online news outlet as false, unpatriotic and an attempt at denting the good image of the Service.
He said that NCoS remained committed to ensuring that the rights of every inmate was protected in line with the provisions of the law.
“The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Gombe State Command has been drawn to a purported online report.
“The online report alleged that officials of the MSCC Gombe blocked members of the above mentioned group from visiting the said Thomas Umar.
“The Command wishes to inform the general public that this report is false, unpatriotic and also fabricated to paint the image of the Service in bad light,” he said.
Explaining further, Hamma said that the concerned inmate, Umar had earlier applied through the Welfare Office that only few authorised persons would visit him.
According to the application, the names of those persons he wishes to see were clearly listed in the content of his application.
He said that Umar, clearly in his application stated that any visitor whose names were not mentioned in his application should not be allowed unless with his “humble consent.”
Hamma, therefore, urged the media to painstakingly fact-check their stories to avoid circulating falsehoods, while urging members of the public to disregard the baseless report in its entirety.
“The NCoS is committed to upholding justice and fairness in ensuring that all inmates in custody are being properly reformed, rehabilitated and reintegrated at the expiration of their jail term.

Our Correspondent reports that Umar, 32 was remanded on April 10, 2025 at the Gombe Medium Security Custodial Centre on the order of Federal High Court, Gombe.

He is being held in custody for the offence of Insult, Enmity, Hatred and ill-will which is a Punishable offence under Cybercrime Act 2015 now Amended.