Ex-Bauchi accountant-general arraigned over alleged N11bn fraud, fake contracts

Sa’idu Abubakar, a former Bauchi state accountant-general was on Friday arraigned before a high court in Bauchi state over alleged diversion of public funds, fraud, forgery, and abuse of office involving about ₦11 billion.

Abubakar is facing a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, use of forged documents, and illegal handling of government loan facilities.

According to court filings, the former accountant-general allegedly diverted ₦3 billion obtained from a UBA loan facility meant for the procurement of 5,000 motorcycles, which were later said to be non-existent.

He is also accused of deceiving the Bauchi state house of assembly and the office of the secretary to the state government by presenting falsified approvals for loans that were not properly authorised.

Prosecutors further alleged that he diverted additional funds, including ₦4.65 billion and ₦3.36 billion from separate loan facilities secured from Polaris Bank and UBA for similar procurement projects.

The prosecution said it would rely on documentary evidence such as bank records, ISPO documents, government resolutions, and witness statements to prove the charges.

The court was informed that the defendant would be prosecuted through the Bauchi state financial crimes court, where the trial is expected to continue.