By Sule Aliyu, Bauchi
A former Accountant-General of Bauchi State, Dr. Sa’idu Abubakar, has been remanded in a correctional facility by the Bauchi State High Court No. 5 over allegations of financial misconduct involving about N40 billion in public funds.
Dr. Abubakar was arraigned before Justice Mu’azu Abubakar on a 16-count amended charge filed by the Bauchi State Government under Section 116 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Bauchi State, 2022.
The former Accountant-General pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against him.
According to court documents in Suit No. BA/205C/2025, the prosecution alleged that between December 7, 2023, and January 9, 2024, while serving as the state’s Accountant-General, Dr. Abubakar abused his position of trust by dishonestly converting government funds for personal use and other unauthorized purposes.
The prosecution further claimed that the funds were part of a multi-billion-naira loan secured from several financial institutions and allegedly earmarked for the procurement of 5,000 motorcycles under a contract it described as non-existent.
The charges also include allegations relating to other questionable banking transactions.
The state maintained that the alleged offences contravene Section 315 of the Bauchi State Penal Code Law, 2022, and are punishable under Section 312 of the same law.
Following his arraignment, Justice Abubakar ordered that the defendant be remanded in custody pending further proceedings.
The case was adjourned until July 2, 2026, for the hearing of a preliminary objection filed by the defence counsel.
The court is expected to hear arguments on the preliminary issues before the commencement of the substantive trial.
