In a major crackdown on financial misconduct, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the Accountant General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Jaja, over an alleged **N70 billion fraud scandal**.
Jaja was taken into custody in Abuja on Wednesday alongside two suspected accomplices—Aliyu Abubakar, an unlicensed Bureau De Change operator, and Sunusi Sambo, a Point of Sale (PoS) operator.
A highly placed EFCC source disclosed that the arrest was part of an **ongoing investigation into large-scale money laundering, diversion of public funds, and financial misappropriation** within the Bauchi State government.
Preliminary findings indicate that **over N59 billion was withdrawn through multiple bank accounts** allegedly set up and managed by Jaja on behalf of the state government. The suspicious transactions, investigators say, are linked to a network of illicit financial dealings involving intermediaries and money-laundering schemes.
The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest but declined to provide additional details, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing probe.
The arrest is part of the EFCC’s broader effort to clamp down on high-profile corruption cases involving government officials. Analysts suggest that this case could lead to further arrests and expose deeper **systemic corruption within state financial management**.
As investigations continue, the anti-graft agency is expected to scrutinize **financial records, identify potential collaborators, and track the final destinations of the misappropriated funds**.
This development adds to the growing list of high-ranking government officials facing corruption allegations, further intensifying public scrutiny over financial transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s governance.
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