The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Dutsinma, Katsina State, Professor Armaya’u Hamisu Bichi, over alleged bribery totalling N19.7 million.
Bichi was brought before Honourable Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar of the Katsina State High Court on Thursday, February 5, 2026, alongside two co-defendants, Lawal Tukur Mani and Aliyu Lawal Jari.
The defendants are facing a five-count charge bordering on bribery and abuse of office.
The EFCC alleged that Bichi, while serving as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Dutsinma, received bribes through the two co-defendants as kickbacks for contracts awarded by the institution.
One of the charges stated that Bichi, in July 2023, allegedly obtained a bribe of N5 million from Theophilus Ilechukwu of Goezek International Agency Nigeria Limited as gratification for the award of contracts for the supply of medical equipment and laboratory furnishings to the university.
According to the prosecution, the money was paid into an Access Bank account belonging to the third defendant, Aliyu Lawal Jari, an act said to be punishable under Sections 79(a), (b) and (i) of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State, 2021.
The EFCC further alleged that the total sum of N19.7 million was received by the former Vice-Chancellor through the second and third defendants from contractors who benefited from various projects during his tenure.
All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read in court.
Following their pleas, prosecuting counsel, Salihu Sani, requested a trial date to enable the prosecution to assemble its witnesses and present its case.
Defence counsels, A. L. Yusuf and Raphael Henry, separately applied for bail on behalf of their clients.
Justice Abubakar granted each defendant 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.
EFCC arraigns former University VC over N19.7m bribery allegations
