A Federal High Court in Abuja has on September 12, 2025 intensifies ICPC pursuit, by declaring Plateau State House of Assembly lawmaker, Adamu Aliyu, wanted over an alleged ₦73.6 million fraud connected to a fake TETFund contract.
The court order issued on September 12 comes after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) filed charges against Aliyu.
Exposing a disturbing pattern of deception and abuse of power.
The Fraudulent Scheme Uncovered
The shocking allegations stem from a complaint by businessman Mohammed Jidda, who accused Aliyu representing Jos North-North constituency of orchestrating a fake contract worth ₦850 million for a University of Jos Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) project.
Aliyu allegedly promised Jidda access to this lucrative contract, which was never genuine.
Court documents reveal that Aliyu signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jidda.
The agreement demanded ₦73.6 million upfront, payable once a contract award letter was issued.
Another ₦52 million was earmarked for Imanal Concept Ltd, a company owned by Saad Abubakar, the reported facilitator of this deceptive scheme.
Fake Contract and Bank Accounts
Aliyu purportedly handed Jidda a contract award letter for constructing an indoor sports hall, valued at ₦500 million under TETFund.
On the basis of this forged letter, Aliyu supplied two bank accounts for payments: his personal Guaranty Trust Bank account and Imanal Concept Ltd’s Zenith Bank account.
Investigations by the ICPC indicated that Jidda deposited ₦73.6 million into these accounts.
Bank statement evidence showed ₦47.8 million was paid into Aliyu’s account, ₦22.4 million into Imanal Concept Ltd’s account, and ₦3.2 million directly to Aliyu.
However, when Jidda tried to finalize documentation at the University of Jos, officials denied any knowledge of the contract.
They later confirmed in writing to the ICPC that the contract award letter was a complete forgery.
Lawmaker Dodges Justice
Despite repeated summons by ICPC, Aliyu ignored invitations to clarify his involvement.
The Commission contacted him through multiple channels, including the Plateau State Assembly Clerk and his WhatsApp number, where he acknowledged messages but chose to stay silent.
The commission disclosed credible intelligence that Aliyu planned to abandon his legislative duties and flee Nigeria to evade prosecution.
Court Declares Aliyu Wanted
Justice Emeka Nwite responded decisively by granting ICPC’s request to declare Aliyu wanted.
The court ordered security agencies to arrest him and produce him for a 32-count charge involving fraud, forgery, and fund diversion.
The judge allowed ICPC to publish a “wanted person” notice across national newspapers and social media.
This statement empowers law enforcement, including private citizens, to locate and arrest Aliyu and hand him over to ICPC agents.
The Accused Speaks
When contacted, Aliyu denied all allegations, claiming ignorance of the ICPC’s invitations until informed by the Assembly Clerk during a trip to Saudi Arabia.
He denied defrauding Jidda and stated that he had refunded ₦45 million to the businessman’s company, Mohiba Investment Limited.
However, verified transaction receipts show multiple payments totaling ₦45 million sent to Mohiba Investment Ltd’s account.
Legal Counterargument
They contend the case is before a civil court and should not involve criminal prosecution.
Despite this defense, the ICPC maintains that Aliyu faces serious allegations of corruption, forgery, cheating, and abuse of office.
The Commission states that it lacks authority to declare someone wanted without court approval, hence the judicial order was crucial.
ICPC Prepares for Possible Flight
The warrant allows ICPC to seek assistance from INTERPOL should Aliyu attempt to escape abroad.
The Commission plans to issue a formal notice publicly declaring Aliyu wanted, intensifying pressure on the embattled lawmaker.
Controversy and Public Outrage
This case exposes the deep rot in Nigeria’s political class where elected officials exploit their power to execute elaborate schemes defrauding innocent businessmen and taxpayers.
Aliyu’s audacity to dismiss ICPC’s summons while allegedly preparing to flee highlights the alarming culture of impunity.
Wahalaupdate calls for urgent reforms to close loopholes that allow such corruption and for authorities to ensure swift justice.
This scandal underscores the urgent need for vigilance against entrusted lawmakers who misuse their positions to enrich themselves at the expense of public trust and development.
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