The trial of Bauchi State Accountant-General, Sirajo Muhammed Jaja, has continued before the Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria. A prosecution witness, Williams Abimbola, a compliance officer with United Bank for Africa (UBA), testified about the transfer of funds from the state's Sub-Treasury Account to a private company, JASFAD Resources Enterprises. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Jaja and four others over alleged corruption, money laundering, and diversion of public funds involving N1.6 billion.
The defendants, who were signatories to Bauchi State Sub-Treasury accounts, allegedly transferred funds to JASFAD Resources Enterprises, a company managed by one of the defendants, Aliyu Abubakar. Abimbola explained that her duties at UBA included receiving requests from law enforcement agencies and responding to enquiries. The EFCC tendered the Bauchi State account statement and the bank's written statement in support of its case. The prosecution alleged that the defendants carried out several transactions between October 2024 and March 2025.
Abimbola provided details of the transactions, including three credit transfers made from the Bauchi Sub-Treasury Account into JASFAD's account on October 29, 2024. The transfers amounted to N13,144,500, N17,169,300, and N46,030,500. Further transactions were made in November 2024, including N17,886,250 on November 7, and N12,215,000 and N16,919,750 on November 15. The witness also testified about several large transfers made in December 2024, including N335,040,000 and N300 million on December 27.
The witness confirmed that several other transactions were made between December 2024 and March 2025. These included N140,087,500 transferred on November 22, 2024, and N24,192,000 and N48,892,500 on December 24, 2024. In 2025, transfers included N19,840,000 and N13,020,000 on February 25, and N16,105,223.70 on March 3. The prosecution's case relies heavily on Abimbola's testimony and the tendered documents.
The defendants' counsel informed the court that they would cross-examine the witness at the next adjourned date. Justice Egwuatu adjourned the case until October 22, 2026, for continuation of cross-examination and trial. The case involves an amended five-count charge bordering on money laundering, diversion of public funds, and criminal misappropriation.
The EFCC's investigation and prosecution of Jaja and others are part of efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria. The case has generated significant interest due to the large sums of money involved. The prosecution's witnesses and evidence will be crucial in determining the outcome of the trial.
The trial's next stage will involve the cross-examination of the prosecution witness. The defendants' counsel will have the opportunity to challenge Abimbola's testimony and the evidence presented. The court's decision will ultimately determine whether Jaja and others are guilty of the alleged corruption charges.
Key points
- The Bauchi State Accountant-General, Sirajo Muhammed Jaja, faces corruption charges involving N1.6 billion.
- A prosecution witness testified about the transfer of funds from the state's Sub-Treasury Account to a private company, JASFAD Resources Enterprises.
- The trial has been adjourned until October 22, 2026, for continuation of cross-examination and trial.
