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 Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), Katsina State, 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 alongside two other defendants, Lawal Tukur Mani and Aliyu Lawal Jari, on a five-count charge bordering on bribery and corruption.
According to the EFCC, the former vice-chancellor allegedly received bribes through the two co-defendants as kickbacks from contractors in exchange for the award of various contracts during his tenure at the university.
One of the charges stated that Bichi, in July 2023, while serving as Vice-Chancellor of FUDMA, obtained the sum of N5 million from one Theophilus Ilechukwu of Goezek International Agency Nigeria Limited as gratification for the award of contracts for the supply of medical equipment and the furnishing of a laboratory at the institution.
The charge added that the money was paid into an Access Bank account (No. 152610172) belonging to Aliyu Lawal Jari, an act said to be contrary to and punishable under Sections 79(a), (b) and (i) of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State, 2021.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Following their pleas, prosecuting counsel, Salihu Sani, requested a trial date to enable the prosecution to present its witnesses.
Defence counsels, A.L. Yusuf and Raphael Henry, filed separate bail applications on behalf of their clients.
In his ruling, 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.
