The Bauchi State Government has expressed shock over the recent arrest of the state’s Accountant General, Sirajo Jaja, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, the government criticized the EFCC’s approach, particularly the timing of the arrest, which took place during the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting.
The government emphasized that Bauchi’s own Anti-Corruption Agency, led by retired DIG Sani Mohammed, was already investigating financial mismanagement, leading to the removal of the former Accountant General and several permanent secretaries.
While reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the Bauchi government called for due process and fairness.
It pledged full cooperation with the EFCC but warned against arbitrary actions that undermine officials’ dignity and legal rights.