The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Dutsinma (FUDMA), Katsina State, Professor Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi, over an alleged bribery case involving ₦19.7 million.
Bichi was brought before Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar of the Katsina State High Court on Thursday, February 5, 2026, alongside two co-defendants:
Lawal Tukur Mani
Aliyu Lawal Jari
EFCC: Bribes Were Contract Kickbacks
According to the EFCC, the former VC allegedly received bribes through the two co-defendants as kickbacks for contracts awarded by the university during his tenure.
One of the charges stated that in July 2023, Bichi allegedly collected ₦5 million from Theophilus Ilechukwu of Goezek International Agency Nigeria Limited as gratification for contracts involving the supply of:
medical equipment
laboratory furnishings
The EFCC said the money was paid into an Access Bank account belonging to Aliyu Lawal Jari.
₦19.7m Allegedly Collected From Contractors
The anti-graft agency further alleged that the total sum of ₦19.7 million was received by the former Vice-Chancellor through the two co-defendants from contractors who benefited from different projects executed during his administration.
The offence was said to be punishable under Sections 79(a), (b) and (i) of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State, 2021.
All Defendants Plead Not Guilty
When the five-count charge was read in court, all three defendants pleaded not guilty.
Court Grants Bail
After their pleas:
The prosecution requested a trial date to assemble witnesses.
Defence lawyers applied for bail.
Justice Abubakar granted bail to each defendant in the sum of:
₦5 million
one surety in like sum
Next Court Date
The matter was adjourned to March 12, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
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