Crime
N1.4bn Fraud: EFCC Rearraigns Bauchi Accountant-General
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rearraigned the Accountant General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Muhammad Jaja over alleged money laundering and criminal diversion of public funds in the sum of N1.4bn.
Biztellers reports that Jaja was on Tuesday arraigned alongside a bureau de change operator, Aliyu Abubakar, before the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
The duo, re-arraigned before Justice O.A. Egwuatu, are facing five counts of amended charges bordering on money laundering, stealing, and criminal conversion of funds belonging to the Bauchi State Government.
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Abubakar is being prosecuted under the trading name of Jasfad Resources Enterprise, a purported bureau de change outfit.
Also listed as defendants but currently at large are Abubakar Muhammed Hafiz, Ari Manga, and Muhammed Aminu Bose.
EFCC alleged that the defendants and others now at large committed the offences between October 29, 2024, and December 31, 2024, in Abuja.
The commission told the court that the defendants committed the offence of money laundering by converting the sum of N1,192,234,627 of public funds belonging to the Bauchi State Government.
The anti-graft agency told the court that Jaja transferred the said sum from the Bauchi State Sub-Treasury Account domiciled in United Bank for Africa with account number 1018819396 into the account of Jasfad Resources Enterprise, domiciled in United Bank for Africa with account number 1023444660.
They were also alleged to have further laundered the sum of N296,191,000 between January 3 and March 14, 2025, through a similar channel.
According to the EFCC, the offences committed contravened Sections 18(2)(b) and are punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.
Following their plea, the defence counsel, Gordy Uche (SAN), for the first defendant and Chris Uche (SAN) for the second defendant, urged the court to allow the defendants to continue on the bail earlier granted by the court.
They also requested an adjournment to enable them to properly study the amended charge.
The prosecution, led by Abba Mohammed (SAN), did not oppose the bail application.
Consequently, Justice Egwuatu granted the request, affirming that the earlier bail terms would remain in place and adjourned the matter to July 21, 2025, for commencement of trial.
Crime
Court Pushes Malami, Son’s Terrorism Financing Trial to April 15
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.
During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.
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“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.
Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.
Crime
How Routine FRSC Patrol Exposed Wanted Driver, Recovered Stolen Sienna
A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.
The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.
While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.
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The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.
The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.
The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.
In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
Crime
Election Scandal in Abuja: Woman Busted With 20 Voter Cards in Kabusa
A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.
The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.
She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.
SEE ALSO: Chaos At Nyanya Polling Unit As PDP, ADC Accuse APC of ₦1,000 Vote Buying
Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.
He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.
Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.
This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.






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