Lawmaker Adamu Aliyu declared wanted over N73.6m TETFund contract scam

A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a wanted declaration for Adamu Aliyu, a member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, over his alleged involvement in a fraudulent N73.6 million contract linked to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). Justice Emeka Nwite made the order after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) filed an application.

According to court documents, businessman Mohammed Jidda petitioned the ICPC, claiming that Aliyu promised to secure an N850 million TETFund contract at the University of Jos. Jidda said he paid Aliyu N73.6 million upfront, including N52 million intended for Imanal Concept Ltd, a company owned by Saad Abubakar that allegedly facilitated the fake contract. The documents reveal that Aliyu gave Jidda a forged contract award letter for a N500 million indoor sports hall project and instructed him to deposit the initial funds into Aliyu’s personal GTBank account and Imanal Concept’s Zenith Bank account.

The ICPC’s investigation found that N47.8 million was paid into Aliyu’s account, N22.4 million into Imanal Concept’s account, and N3.2 million directly to Aliyu. The University of Jos denied ever issuing the contract and later confirmed in writing that the award letter was forged.

Despite repeated summons, Aliyu ignored the ICPC’s invitations to explain his role in the fraudulent award. The commission also alleged that he planned to flee the country. The court authorized the ICPC to publish Aliyu’s name in national newspapers and on social media, and empowered security agencies and private citizens to arrest him and hand him over to the commission to face a 32‑count charge encompassing fraud, forgery and diversion of funds.

Aliyu has denied any complicity, insisting he did not defraud Jidda. He claims to have refunded N45 million from his account to Jidda’s Mohiba Investment Ltd and argues that the dispute concerns consultancy services, not a criminal matter. The ICPC’s actions and the court’s declaration underscore ongoing efforts to combat corruption and fraud in Nigeria’s public and private sectors. The case is expected to proceed with Aliyu’s arrest and prosecution, pending his appearance before the court.