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.

Alleged N70bn fraud: EFCC arrests Bauchi Accountant-General