A Federal High court in Abuja has declared Plateau State House of Assembly member, Adamu Aliyu, wanted over an alleged N73.6 million TETFund contract fraud.
The ruling follows an application by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Aliyu, who represents Jos North State Constituency, is accused of receiving money from businessman Mohammed Jidda, promising to secure an N850 million TETFund contract at the University of Jos.
Court documents reveal that Jidda paid N73.6 million upfront, part of which was funneled to Imanal Concept Ltd, a company allegedly involved in the scheme.
Justice Emeka Nwite authorized ICPC to declare Aliyu wanted, allowing publication of his name in national media and empowering authorities and citizens to arrest him. Aliyu faces a 32-count charge of fraud, forgery, and fund diversion.
Details of the alleged scam
Investigations by ICPC revealed that Aliyu handed Jidda a fake contract award letter for a N500 million indoor sports hall project. The agency said the funds were deposited into Aliyu’s personal GTBank account, Imanal Concept’s Zenith Bank account, and partially paid directly to Aliyu.
The University of Jos denied issuing the contract, confirming in writing that the award letter was forged. Despite multiple summonses, Aliyu reportedly ignored ICPC calls and appeared uncooperative during investigations.
ICPC further claimed to have intelligence that the lawmaker intended to flee the country, prompting the urgent action to declare him wanted.
Aliyu denies allegations
When contacted, Aliyu denied any wrongdoing, insisting the case was a civil dispute over consultancy services rather than criminal activity. He claimed he had refunded N45 million to Jidda’s Mohiba Investment Ltd.
Aliyu also rejected claims that he forged the contract letter, saying his role was only delivering the document. His legal team informed ICPC that the matter is already before a civil court.
The court’s order underscores ongoing efforts to hold public officials accountable for financial misconduct while ensuring due process.