Court Remands Ex-Bauchi Accountant-General Over Alleged ₦40bn Motorcycle Contract Fraud

0

The Bauchi State High Court has ordered the immediate remand of former Bauchi Accountant-General Dr Sa’idu Abubakar over his alleged involvement in a ₦40 billion financial fraud.

According to the charge sheet in Suit No. BA/205C/2025, the Bauchi State Government is the complainant, while Dr Abubakar stands as the sole defendant.

Presiding Judge Justice Muazu Abubakar issued the remand order at High Court No. 5 after the defendant pleaded not guilty to charges of diverting public funds intended for a fraudulent motorcycle supply contract between December 2023 and January 2024.

Abubakar was arraigned on a 16-count amended charge brought under Section 116 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Bauchi State, 2022.

The prosecution alleged that between December 7, 2023, and January 9, 2024, while serving as Accountant-General and occupying a position of trust over public funds, the defendant dishonestly misused and converted government funds for personal benefit or unauthorised purposes.

It was further alleged that the funds formed part of a multi-billion-naira loan obtained from several financial institutions, purportedly earmarked for a non-existent contract involving the supply of 5,000 motorcycles, alongside other banking transactions.

The prosecution maintained that the alleged conduct contravenes Section 315 and is punishable under Section 312 of the Bauchi State Penal Code Law, 2022.

Justice Abubakar subsequently ordered the remand of the defendant in custody and adjourned the matter until July 2, 2026, for the hearing of a preliminary objection filed by the defence counsel.

The case will proceed with arguments on preliminary issues before the commencement of full trial proceedings.