The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been petitioned to urgently investigate a political aide to the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Babayo Liman Othman Abubakar, popularly known as Babayo Liman.
The petition alleges that Liman has simultaneously held two government appointments — as Chief Executive Officer (Accounts), Salary Grade Level 14, under the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, posted to the Accounts Department of the Federal Ministry of Works in Jos, Plateau State, and as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Bauchi State Governor on Internal Security — while allegedly receiving salaries from both the Federal and Bauchi State governments.
The petition, dated May 20, 2026, was addressed to the EFCC Gombe Zonal Commander by G. Hassan & Co. (Equity Chambers), Bauchi, on the instruction of the Community Rescue Initiative (CRI), a non-governmental organisation that promotes good governance and transparency in Nigeria.
According to the petition, the organisation’s attention was drawn to allegations involving Liman, who is currently serving as Senior Special Assistant to the Bauchi State Governor on Internal Security while reportedly retaining his federal appointment as Chief Executive Officer (Accounts), Salary Grade Level 14, at the Federal Ministry of Works, Jos.
Part of the petition reads: “It is the view of our client that the allegations against the said officer raise grave concerns bordering on abuse of public office, violation of Public Service Rules, conflict of interest, and fraudulent enrichment through the unlawful receipt of public funds from two separate government establishments simultaneously.”
The petition further stated: “Based on the information received by our client, the issues complained of are highlighted as follows: Mr. Liman Babayo Othman Abubakar is alleged to be simultaneously occupying two public offices under separate governments, namely: Chief Executive Officer (Accounts) under the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, posted to the Federal Ministry of Works, Jos, Plateau State, and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Bauchi State on Internal Security.
“The simultaneous occupation of the above offices raises serious questions regarding compliance with extant Public Service Rules, ethics of public office, conflict-of-interest regulations, and eligibility to hold two remunerated government positions concurrently.”
Another allegation contained in the petition is the receipt of double salaries and public funds for nearly 20 years, dating back to the administration of former Bauchi State Governor, Malam Isa Yuguda.
The petition alleged that despite serving and receiving salaries, allowances, and other benefits from the Bauchi State Government, Liman has continued to receive salaries and entitlements from the Federal Government without effectively reporting to his federal duty post.
The petitioners stated: “We are further informed that this alleged practice of simultaneously receiving salaries and benefits from both the Federal Government and the Bauchi State Government has persisted for almost 20 years, dating back to the administration of former Governor Isa Yuguda, when Mr. Babayo Liman allegedly served as Senior Special Assistant on Peace and Conflict Resolution in Bauchi State while still retaining his federal appointment.”
According to the petition, if established, the conduct would amount to unlawful enrichment, financial misconduct, abuse of office, conflict of interest, violation of Public Service Rules, and misappropriation of public funds, resulting in substantial financial loss to the Federal Government.
On the issue of absenteeism, the petition stated: “We are reliably informed that Mr. Babayo Liman has remained absent from his duty post at the Federal Ministry of Works, Jos, for several years without physically discharging the responsibilities attached to his federal appointment.”
It added that such prolonged absenteeism constitutes serious misconduct under the Public Service Rules and undermines discipline, efficiency, accountability, and integrity in the Nigerian Public Service.
The petitioners requested the EFCC to investigate Liman’s service records, attendance history, salary payments, and deployment status, and to verify whether he has continuously received salaries and allowances from the Federal Government while simultaneously serving under the Bauchi State Government.
They also urged the commission to suspend further salary payments pending the outcome of investigations and, if found culpable, recover all salaries, allowances, and public funds unlawfully received.
The petition further requested that the matter be referred to relevant anti-corruption agencies, including the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In addition, the petitioners asked that any promotions previously granted to Liman be reversed and that he be dismissed from service if found guilty.
To support their claims, the petitioners attached several documents, including a letter from the Federal Civil Service Commission conveying the promotion of officers under the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, which listed Liman as Chief Executive Officer (Accounts), Salary Grade Level 14.
Also attached were copies of his previous promotion letter to Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Accounts), Salary Grade Level 13, and his appointment letter as Senior Special Assistant to the Bauchi State Governor on Internal Security.
The petition concluded: “We trust in your office’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and the protection of public resources and therefore urge prompt action on this petition.”
The petition was signed by A. S. Idris Esq.
Responding to the allegations, Liman told journalists during a telephone conversation that he was aware of the petition and had been served a copy.
He said he had forwarded the petition to his lawyers, who were studying it and would respond accordingly.
Asked to comment directly on the allegations, Liman said: “The allegations are baseless, unfounded and motivated by pure hatred from people who are unhappy with me. They have no basis, no facts, and are merely attempts to smear my image.”
