Federal High Court in Abuja Declares Plateau Lawmaker Adamu Aliyu Wanted Over ₦73.6 Million TETFund Fraud
A shocking development in Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight unfolded in Abuja on Friday. A Federal High Court declared Adamu Aliyu, a member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, wanted for allegedly defrauding a businessman of ₦73.6 million through a bogus Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) contract. The ruling came after the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) accused Aliyu of dodging repeated summons. This case exposes vulnerabilities in public procurement and raises questions about accountability for lawmakers.
The Allegations: A Fake Contract and Broken Promises
The fraud claim stems from a petition by businessman Mohammed Jidda. He accused Aliyu, who represents the Jos North-North constituency on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, of luring him with a lucrative deal. Jidda said Aliyu promised to secure an ₦850 million TETFund contract for construction work at the University of Jos.
The two signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Under it, Jidda agreed to pay Aliyu ₦73.6 million as a “mobilization fee” once a contract award letter arrived. Aliyu allegedly delivered a document purporting to be from the University of Jos. It claimed a ₦500 million award for building an indoor sports hall under TETFund.
Jidda transferred the funds in chunks. ICPC probes revealed ₦47.8 million went to Aliyu’s GTBank personal account. Another ₦22.4 million hit Imanal Concept Ltd’s Zenith Bank account—linked to Aliyu. A final ₦3.2 million went straight to him. The contract turned out fake. No such project existed at the university.
Court Proceedings: From Summons to “Wanted” Status
ICPC filed the ex-parte motion on September 12, 2025, before Justice Emeka Nwite. They sought a public summons, arrest warrant, and alternative orders against Aliyu. The commission argued he was evading justice.
Investigators detailed Aliyu’s non-cooperation. Despite multiple invitations, he ignored them. Messages went through the Clerk of the Plateau State House of Assembly and his WhatsApp. He acknowledged receipt but never showed up. ICPC labeled this “wilful disobedience.”
Justice Nwite granted the requests. He issued a bench warrant for Aliyu’s arrest. The court also okayed publishing his details as a “wanted person” in national dailies, social media, and other platforms. This empowers police, ICPC, and even citizens to apprehend him and hand him over.
The charges include corruption, forgery, cheating, and abuse of office. Aliyu remains at large. Plateau Assembly has not commented publicly.
ICPC’s Role: Cracking Down on Public Fund Scams
The ICPC drives Nigeria’s fight against graft. TETFund, established in 2011, channels education funds to institutions. Scams like this erode trust and divert resources from students and infrastructure.
This isn’t isolated. In 2024, ICPC probed similar TETFund frauds worth billions. They recovered ₦10 billion from ghost contracts. Aliyu’s case fits a pattern: Lawmakers exploiting connections for kickbacks.
Spokesman Demola Kayode-Ebunkoba urged tips. “We won’t relent until justice prevails,” he said.
Reactions: Outrage and Calls for Accountability
News of the ruling spread fast. On social media, Nigerians vented fury. One X user posted: “Lawmakers stealing from education? No wonder our universities suffer.” Another demanded: “Arrest him now—public funds aren’t for personal gain.”
Civil groups like BudgIT slammed it as “elite impunity.” They called for assembly suspension pending probe. APC in Plateau distanced itself, saying Aliyu acts alone.
Experts worry about ripple effects. “Such scams starve TETFund projects, leaving schools in decay,” said anti-corruption analyst Abdulaziz Abdulaziz.
Jidda, the victim, seeks full recovery. He told investigators the loss crippled his business.
Broader Implications: A Blow to Public Trust
This scandal hits hard in Plateau, a state reeling from insecurity and economic woes. Aliyu’s Jos North-North seat covers a diverse area. Voters there demand representation, not robbery.
Nationally, it fuels 2027 election debates. With Tinubu’s anti-graft push, cases like this test resolve. ICPC’s 2025 budget rose 20% for probes, but conviction rates lag at 30%.
For education, it’s dire. TETFund budgeted ₦500 billion for 2025 interventions. Frauds siphon chunks, delaying labs and hostels.
Path Forward: Manhunt and Justice Hopes
ICPC vows a swift arrest. Notices will blanket media soon. Once nabbed, Aliyu faces trial. Penalties could include 10 years jail and restitution.
Communities watch closely. Will this deter copycats? Or expose more? For now, Plateau grieves another trust breach.
Nigeria’s graft war rages. Cases like Aliyu’s remind: No one is above the law. Justice delayed is justice denied—let’s hope it’s not here.
(Word count: 1125)