The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reinforced its commitment to accountability in public institutions by arraigning a former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsinma, Professor Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi, over an alleged ₦19.7 million contract-related fraud.
The former Vice Chancellor was arraigned on Thursday, February 5, 2026, by the Kano Zonal Directorate of the EFCC before Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar of the Katsina State High Court on a five-count charge bordering on bribery.
Professor Bichi was arraigned alongside two others, Lawal Tukur Mani and Aliyu Lawal Jari, who are alleged to have acted as intermediaries in receiving the illicit funds.
According to the Head, Media and Publicity of EFCC, Dele Oyewale, the defendants allegedly received kickbacks from contractors in exchange for the award of contracts for the supply of medical equipment and the furnishing of laboratories at the Federal University Dutsinma during Bichi’s tenure as Vice Chancellor.
One of the charges revealed that in July 2023, the former Vice Chancellor allegedly obtained ₦5 million from a contractor as gratification for contract awards, with the money reportedly paid into a third-party bank account. The offence is said to be punishable under relevant provisions of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State, 2021.
All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read in court.
Following their pleas, prosecution counsel, Salihu Sani, requested a trial date to enable the EFCC present witnesses and substantiate its case. Defence counsels, A. L. Yusuf and Raphael Henry, in turn, applied for bail on behalf of their clients.
Justice Abubakar granted each defendant bail for ₦5 million with one surety in like sum and adjourned the matter to March 12, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The arraignment underscores the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency and integrity in Nigeria’s education sector, sending a strong signal that abuse of public office will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted, regardless of status.
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