Bauchi AG Travel Request Denied

The Federal High Court, Abuja, rejected an application by Sirajo Muhammad Jaja, the Accountant General of Nigeria — Bauchi State, to travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and a medical check-up. Sirajo Muhammad Jaja is currently being prosecuted by the Nigeria — Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, an unlicensed bureau de change operator, for alleged money laundering and diversion of N1.635 billion belonging to the Nigeria — Bauchi State Government. The prosecution opposed the request, arguing that Sirajo Muhammad Jaja constituted a flight risk, especially as other parties connected to the case are still at large. Justice O.A. Egwuatu struck out the application and adjourned the trial until June 30, 2026. The charges stem from alleged transfers of funds from the Nigeria — Bauchi State Sub-Treasury account domiciled in United Bank for Africa into the account of Jasfad Resources Enterprises between October and December 2024, and again between January and March 2025.