Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has described the arrest of the Accountant General of the state, Sirajo Jaja by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in connection with alleged N70billion fraud as a political witch-haunt targeted at the opposition.
LEADERSHIP reports that the anti-graft agency arrested Mr Jaja along with two other suspected accomplices, Aliyu Abubakar of Jasfad Resources Entreprise, an unregistered Bureau de Change operator and Sanusi Ibrahim Sambo, a Point of Sale (PoS) operator.
Abubakar had earlier jumped bail.
The EFCC alleged that Jaja made cash withdrawals of about N59billion through various bank accounts he opened and operated.
The anti-corruption commission said it was also investigating Governor Mohammed in connection to the matter.
The governor in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Comrade Mukhtar Gidado and made available to reporters in Bauchi, said it was aware of the involvement of the Office of the Accountant General of the state in the alleged fraud.
He argued that, “We must also stress that this particular issue is already under active investigation by the Bauchi State Anti-Corruption Agency.”
Governor Mohammed added, “The EFCC is well aware of this ongoing effort, which has led to significant actions, including the removal, arrest, and ongoing investigation of the immediate former Accountant General and several permanent secretaries.”
He said no state official should be subjected to arbitrary treatment that undermines their dignity and due process.
“The state government will explore all constitutional and legal avenues to ensure that its officials are not unfairly targeted or treated unjustly.”
He said that he received with surprise the news of the arrest of Jaja by the EFCC while he was in Abuja carrying out his statutory duty of attending the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting.
“Many Nigerians now view this as nothing more than a political witch-hunt rather than a genuine anti-corruption effort. The timing and manner of the arrest cast doubt on the real intention behind it.
“The Bauchi State Government has consistently demonstrated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. Our administration has been independently ranked among the most transparent in public financial management.
“We conduct government business fairly and in full compliance with established regulations. Our track record speaks for itself, and we remain resolute in upholding good governance,” he said.
