EFCC Arraigns Ex–Federal University Dutsinma Vice Chancellor Over N19.7m Bribery Allegations
The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday, February 5, 2026, arraigned a former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsinma, Professor Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi, before Honourable Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar of the Katsina State High Court over alleged bribery totaling N19.7 million.
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Bichi was docked alongside two others, Lawal Tukur Mani and Aliyu Lawal Jari, who allegedly served as intermediaries in receiving the bribes.
They are facing a five-count charge bordering on bribery, following allegations that Bichi received kickbacks from contractors during his tenure as Vice Chancellor.
One of the charges stated that Bichi, sometime in July 2023 in Katsina, while serving as Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsinma, allegedly obtained a bribe of N5 million from Theophilus Ilechukwu of Goezek International Agency Nigeria Limited as gratification for awarding contracts for the supply of medical equipment and laboratory furnishing at the institution. The money was allegedly paid into an Access Bank account belonging to Aliyu Lawal Jari.
The offence is said to be contrary to Section 79 (a), (b) and (i) of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State, 2021.
According to the EFCC, the first defendant allegedly obtained the bribes through the second and third defendants as kickbacks for various contracts awarded by the university.
All three defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
Following their pleas, prosecution counsel, Salihu Sani, requested a trial date to enable the prosecution assemble witnesses and present its case. Defence counsel, A. L. Yusuf and Raphael Henry, filed bail applications on behalf of their clients.
Justice Abubakar subsequently granted each defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case to March 12, 2026, for commencement of trial.
EFCC Arraigns Ex–Federal University Dutsinma Vice Chancellor Over N19.7m Bribery Allegations