A political and transparency group, Bauchi Citizens for Good Governance, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to broaden its investigation into alleged financial misconduct in Bauchi State, particularly within the state’s ministries, departments, and agencies.
In a statement issued to journalists on Tuesday in Bauchi, the group’s convener, Musa Ali, said the demand became necessary following reports of widespread corruption despite the continued hardship faced by pensioners and retirees who are yet to receive their entitlements.
“It is disheartening that while retirees are unpaid, a few individuals are allegedly siphoning the state’s resources. This should not be accepted. We urge well-meaning citizens to rise and ensure the looted funds are recovered and the culprits brought to justice,” Ali said.
He criticized the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed, describing it as plagued by poor governance and rising corruption allegations.
The group also questioned the source of funding for the governor’s rumored 2027 presidential ambition, pointing to campaign posters already seen across major cities.
“While the governor has the right to seek higher office, taxpayers’ money must not be used to finance his ambition,” the group stated.
The group called on the EFCC to specifically investigate the Ministry of Finance, the 20 local government councils through the Ministry for Local Government, the Ministry of Housing and Environment, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, and the Ministry of Works.
They also named contracting firms like Habib Construction Company and K.K Kingdom Construction Company, as well as projects linked to the Bauchi Government House, loans for infrastructure, the State Universal Basic Education Board, and the Bauchi State House of Assembly.
They urged the EFCC to recover stolen funds and ensure prosecution of all those involved.
The call comes amid an ongoing EFCC investigation into a reported N70 billion fraud in the state, which recently led to the arrest of the State’s Accountant General, Sirajo Jaja, alongside a Bureau De Change operator and a PoS agent.
In response, Governor Bala Mohammed’s media aide, Mukhtar Gidado, acknowledged the EFCC’s action but stated that Jaja had no involvement in the matter.
He noted that the state’s Anti-Corruption Agency, led by retired DIG Sani Mohammed, was already handling the investigation, which had resulted in arrests and dismissals of top officials.
Gidado insisted on due process, warning against arbitrary treatment of state officials and vowing that the government would explore all legal means to protect their rights.
