Micah Jonah
February 6, 2026
The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Thursday, February 5, 2026, arraigned a former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsinma, Professor Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi, before Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar of the Katsina State High Court over an alleged N19.7 million bribery fraud.
Bichi was arraigned on a five count charge alongside two others, Lawal Tukur Mani and Aliyu Lawal Jari, who were alleged to have assisted him in receiving the bribes.
One of the charges stated that Bichi, while serving as Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsinma in July 2023, allegedly obtained a bribe of N5 million from one Theophilus Ilechukwu of Goezek International Agency Nigeria Limited as a reward for the award of contracts for the supply of medical equipment and furnishing of a laboratory at the university. The charge further alleged that the money was paid into an Access Bank account belonging to Aliyu Lawal Jari, an act said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 79 (a), (b) and (i) of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State, 2021.
The EFCC alleged that the former vice chancellor received the bribes through the second and third defendants as kickbacks from contractors who were awarded various contracts by the university during his tenure.
All the defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
Following their pleas, counsel to the prosecution, Salihu Sani, asked the court for a trial date to enable the prosecution assemble witnesses and prove its case.
Defence counsel, A. L. Yusuf and Raphael Henry, each moved bail applications on behalf of their clients, urging the court to grant them bail.
Justice Abubakar subsequently granted each of the defendants bail in the sum of N5 million with one surety in like sum.
The case was adjourned to March 12, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
