A Federal High Court in Abuja has declared a Plateau State lawmaker wanted for allegedly defrauding a businessman of ₦73.6 million through a fake contract. Adamu Aliyu, a member of the Plateau State House of Assembly representing Jos North-North constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), faces serious charges of fraud, forgery, and abuse of office. Justice Emeka Nwite issued the order on Friday, September 12, 2025, after an application from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The court granted permission for the anti-graft agency to publish a “wanted person” notice in national newspapers, on social media, and other platforms. This development highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption among public officials in Nigeria.
The case has drawn widespread attention due to Aliyu’s position as a lawmaker and the significant amount involved. It underscores the challenges of accountability in politics. As the ICPC intensifies its probe, questions arise about how such alleged scams evade detection. Below, we break down the details of the case, the court’s ruling, and the broader implications.
Background of the Alleged Fraud
The allegations stem from a petition filed by Mohammed Jidda, a businessman based in Plateau State. Jidda accused Aliyu of luring him into a fraudulent deal involving a supposed Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) contract at the University of Jos. According to court documents, Aliyu promised to secure an ₦850 million contract for Jidda in exchange for facilitation fees.
The two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining the terms. Under this agreement, Jidda was to pay ₦73.6 million once an official award letter was issued by the university. Trusting the documents provided by Aliyu, Jidda transferred the funds to two accounts: ₦47.8 million to Aliyu’s personal Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) account and ₦22.4 million to the Zenith Bank account of Imanal Concept Ltd., a company linked to the lawmaker. An additional ₦3.2 million was sent directly to Aliyu.
However, when Jidda approached the University of Jos to commence documentation, he discovered the contract was nonexistent. The university later confirmed in writing to the ICPC that the award letter was forged. Financial records reviewed by investigators traced the funds, revealing the diversion. The ICPC described the scheme as a classic case of obtaining money under false pretenses, involving forgery and cheating.
Aliyu, who has been in office since 2023, serves on committees related to education and finance in the Plateau State Assembly. The alleged use of a fake TETFund contract raises concerns about potential insider knowledge or exploitation of public trust funds. TETFund is a federal intervention agency aimed at improving tertiary education infrastructure, making the forgery particularly egregious.
The ICPC’s Investigation and Court Application
The ICPC launched its probe following Jidda’s petition earlier in 2025. Investigators invited Aliyu multiple times to respond to the allegations. They contacted him through the Clerk of the Plateau State House of Assembly and via WhatsApp, where he acknowledged the messages but failed to appear. The agency claimed credible intelligence indicated Aliyu was planning to flee the country to evade arrest, prompting them to seek a court order.
Without the power to declare someone wanted independently, the ICPC filed an ex parte application at the Federal High Court in Abuja. In the motion, they detailed the 32-count charge against Aliyu, including fraud, forgery, diversion of funds, and abuse of office. The court was asked to authorize the publication of a wanted notice to aid in his apprehension.
Justice Nwite, after reviewing the affidavits and evidence, granted the request on September 12. He directed all security agencies, including the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), to arrest Aliyu and produce him in court within a specified period. The judge emphasized the need for swift action to prevent further flight risks.
The ICPC has since begun disseminating the wanted notice. It includes Aliyu’s photograph, description, and details of the alleged offenses. The agency urged the public to provide tips on his whereabouts, promising confidentiality.
Profile of the Lawmaker: Adamu Aliyu
Adamu Aliyu, aged 45, is a first-term lawmaker in the Plateau State House of Assembly. Elected in 2023 under the APC banner, he represents the Jos North-North constituency, a diverse area with significant urban and rural populations. Before entering politics, Aliyu worked as a businessman and community leader in Jos. He holds a degree in Business Administration from a local university.
During his tenure, Aliyu has been vocal on issues like education funding and youth empowerment. He chairs a committee on tertiary education, which makes the TETFund forgery allegation ironic. Colleagues in the assembly have expressed shock, with some calling for a full investigation to clear his name if innocent. However, the Plateau State House of Assembly has not issued an official statement as of September 13, 2025.
Aliyu’s political career began at the local government level, where he served as a councilor. His APC affiliation ties him to the ruling party at the federal level, potentially complicating the case politically. No prior corruption charges have been reported against him, making this a significant setback.
Legal Implications and Next Steps
The declaration marks a critical phase in the case. Once arrested, Aliyu will face the 32-count charge sheet. If convicted, penalties could include lengthy prison terms, fines, and restitution of the defrauded amount. Under Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws, such as the ICPC Act, forgery and fraud carry up to 10 years imprisonment.
The court’s order also includes a potential travel ban, with instructions to seize Aliyu’s passport if apprehended. Security agencies are on high alert at airports and borders. The ICPC has vowed to pursue the case vigorously, stating that no one is above the law.
Legal experts note that similar cases often drag due to appeals and jurisdictional issues. However, the public wanted notice could expedite the process. If Aliyu turns himself in, he may seek bail, but given the flight risk, it might be denied initially.
Public and Political Reactions
The news has sparked outrage across Nigeria. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) are flooded with calls for justice, with hashtags like #ArrestAdamuAliyu trending. Civil society groups, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), have praised the ICPC’s action but urged faster prosecutions in political corruption cases.
The APC in Plateau State distanced itself, with a spokesperson stating the party does not condone wrongdoing and supports a thorough probe. Opposition parties, like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have used the incident to criticize the ruling party’s integrity.
Businessman Jidda expressed relief in a statement, hoping for recovery of his funds. He described the scam as a betrayal of trust, especially from a public servant. Anti-corruption activists see this as a win for transparency, but warn that without conviction, it might be seen as selective justice.
Broader Context: Corruption in Nigerian Politics
This case fits into Nigeria’s ongoing battle against corruption. The country ranks 145 out of 180 on Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index. Lawmakers and officials are frequently implicated in fraud, with TETFund scams being a common ploy due to the agency’s large budgets.
Recent similar cases include the EFCC declaring a former Abia State commissioner wanted over billions in local government funds diversion. In June 2025, ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele was arraigned for unrelated fraud involving housing units. These incidents highlight systemic issues in contract awards and fund management.
The ICPC and EFCC have ramped up efforts under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, recovering billions in assets. However, critics argue that prosecutions are slow, allowing perpetrators to retain ill-gotten gains.
Conclusion: A Test for Accountability
The Federal High Court’s declaration of Adamu Aliyu as wanted over the alleged ₦73.6 million fraud is a bold step in Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive. It serves as a reminder that public office comes with accountability. As security agencies hunt for the lawmaker, the case could expose deeper networks of fraud involving public funds. For Plateau State residents and Nigerians at large, swift justice is crucial to restore faith in institutions. The coming weeks will reveal whether Aliyu is apprehended and if the funds can be recovered. In the fight against corruption, every such ruling strengthens the rule of law.