Group calls on EFCC to expand probe into alleged corruption in Bauchi
A political advocacy group, Bauchi Citizens for Good Governance, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to broaden its investigation into alleged financial misconduct in Bauchi State beyond the office of the Accountant General.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the group’s convener, Comrade Musa Ali, welcomed the ongoing EFCC probe but stressed the need for a wider investigation covering ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) across the state.
He highlighted the troubling issue of unpaid pensions and gratuities for retirees, suggesting that state funds are being misappropriated while citizens continue to suffer.
Ali called on residents of Bauchi to collectively demand accountability and push for the recovery of any stolen public funds.
He also raised concerns over alleged corruption within the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed, linking it to the governor’s reported presidential ambition for 2027.
“There are growing questions about how the governor is funding his campaign activities, especially with posters seen not only in Bauchi but across several Nigerian cities,” Ali said.
“Public funds should not be used to support political campaigns.”
The group specifically requested that the EFCC extend its investigation to key government entities, including the Ministry of Finance, the 20 local government areas, and various state ministries such as Housing, Environment, and Works.
They also called for scrutiny of firms involved in the construction of the Bauchi Government House, naming Habib Construction Company and K.K Kingdom Construction Company, as well as loans obtained for infrastructure projects.
“We demand that all individuals involved in the mismanagement of state resources be held accountable and that recovered funds be returned to the people of Bauchi,” the statement concluded.
Additionally, the group called on Governor Mohammed to publicly address the allegations and take concrete steps to prevent future financial mismanagement.
This call comes in the wake of the EFCC’s recent arrest of Bauchi State Accountant General Sirajo Jaja.
Jaja was taken into custody alongside a Bureau De Change operator and a PoS agent as part of a probe into an alleged N70 billion fraud involving money laundering and diversion of public funds.
Reacting to the arrest, the state government, through the governor’s media aide, Mukhtar Gidado, confirmed the development but maintained Jaja’s innocence. Gidado emphasized that the Bauchi State Anti-Corruption Agency, headed by retired DIG Sani Mohammed, is also actively investigating the matter and assured that all procedures would follow due process.
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