The Bauchi State Government, on Thursday, described the arrest of its accountant general, Sirajo Jaja, for alleged N70bn fraud as a political witch-hunt and sensationalism by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

In a statement on Thursday, Governor Bala Mohammed’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, said the state’s anti-graft agency was already probing the alleged fraud before the EFCC’s action, arresting the accountant general on Wednesday.

While acknowledging the EFCC’s role in investigating financial misconduct, Gidado said the Bauchi State Anti-Corruption Agency, led by DIG Sani Mohammed (retd.), a respected veteran of the EFCC, was already looking into the case.

He said, “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 expressed concerns that the accountant general was in Abuja attending a Federation Account Allocation Committee meeting when EFCC operatives picked him up.

“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.

“Many Nigerians now perceive this as a political witch-hunt rather than a genuine anti-corruption effort. The timing and manner of the arrest cast doubt on the true intentions behind it.”

Gidado also reiterated the Bauchi State Government’s 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 in full compliance with established regulations. Our track record speaks for itself, and we remain resolute in upholding good governance,” he said.

The Special Adviser emphasised the state’s willingness to cooperate with the EFCC in its investigation but called for fairness and justice in return.




https://punchng.com/n70bn-fraud-bauchi-criticises-efcc-alleges-political-witch-hunt/