(DDM) – A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has declared a Plateau State lawmaker, Hon. Adamu Aliyu, wanted over allegations of a ₦73.6 million fraud.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Justice Emeka Nwite issued the arrest order following a request by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The anti-graft agency alleged that the lawmaker, who represents Jos North-North under the All Progressives Congress (APC), forged contract documents to siphon public funds.
According to court filings, Aliyu allegedly used a fraudulent contract letter to deceive businessman Mohammed Jidda and secure the release of millions of naira.
Investigators said the money was traced to Aliyu’s Guaranty Trust Bank account and a company linked to his close associate.
Despite several court summons, the lawmaker failed to appear, raising suspicions that he was attempting to evade justice and possibly flee abroad.
Justice Nwite, in his ruling, granted permission for the issuance of a wanted notice to be published across national newspapers, social media platforms, and public information channels.
The court further authorized the ICPC, the Nigeria Police Force, and even private citizens to apprehend the lawmaker wherever he is found.
This extraordinary order underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the determination of the court to ensure accountability in the case.
Aliyu, however, denied the allegations in a statement released by his legal team.
He claimed that he had already refunded part of the money in question and blamed his associate for forging the contract papers without his knowledge.
The embattled legislator insisted that he was being politically targeted by rivals who want to smear his name ahead of future elections.
But the ICPC dismissed his defence, maintaining that the evidence directly implicated him in orchestrating the scheme.
According to the agency, documents, bank statements, and witness testimony all point to Aliyu’s personal involvement in the fraudulent deal.
Analysts say the case has intensified public debates about corruption within Nigeria’s political class and the abuse of trust by elected officials.
They argue that the ruling strengthens the judiciary’s resolve to clamp down on high-profile corruption cases that often stall due to political interference.
Residents of Jos North-North told DDM that the scandal has brought embarrassment to the constituency, which now faces the prospect of being represented by a lawmaker under criminal investigation.
Civil society groups have also demanded that the APC leadership in Plateau State suspend Aliyu until the matter is resolved in court.
As the wanted notice circulates, security agencies are now on high alert to track down the lawmaker and bring him before the court.
Observers say the outcome of this case will serve as a litmus test for Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight and the credibility of its justice system.