The Bauchi State Government has condemned the arrest of its Accountant General, Sirajo Jaja, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged N70 billion fraud, calling it a “political witch-hunt.”
In a statement on Thursday, Governor Bala Mohammed’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, expressed concerns over the timing of the arrest. He said the state’s anti-graft agency had already been investigating the alleged fraud before the EFCC intervened.
“The EFCC is fully aware of the ongoing efforts, which have already led to significant actions, including the removal, arrest, and investigation of the immediate past Accountant General and several permanent secretaries,” Gidado stated.
He criticized the sensationalism surrounding Jaja’s arrest, noting that the accountant general was in Abuja attending a Federation Account Allocation Committee meeting when EFCC operatives apprehended him.
Gidado suggested that the manner in which the arrest was conducted created unnecessary drama and suspicion, leading many Nigerians to view it as politically motivated rather than a legitimate anti-corruption effort.
“The sensationalism, politicisation, and media trial of a government official who, if invited, would have willingly cooperated with the commission, have created unnecessary drama and suspicion,” Gidado added.
“The timing and manner of the arrest cast doubt on the true intentions behind it.”
Gidado also reaffirmed the Bauchi State Government’s commitment to transparency and good governance, emphasizing that the administration has been ranked among the most transparent in Nigeria’s public financial management.
“We expect reciprocity in fairness and justice. No state official should be subjected to arbitrary treatment that undermines their dignity and due process,” he said.
The EFCC had arrested Jaja on Wednesday, along with an unlicensed Bureau De Change operator, Aliyu Abubakar, and a Point of Sale (POS) operator, Sunusi Sambo.
The three are reportedly being investigated for money laundering, diversion of public funds, and misappropriation linked to the N70 billion.
EFCC sources revealed that Jaja was involved in cash withdrawals of N59 billion through various bank accounts under his control, which were allegedly transferred to Abubakar and Sambo, who used the funds for payments to party agents and associates of the governor.
Gidado reiterated that while Bauchi state is willing to cooperate with the EFCC, the state insists on fairness and justice throughout the process.
The governor’s administration, which has been a critic of President Bola Tinubu’s government, said that corruption must be fought with integrity, transparency, and in line with the law.
EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest but declined to provide further comments.
The Bauchi Governor, who is also the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Governors’ Forum, has faced increasing political tension with the federal government.