14/09/2025
FIX TV INVESTIGATES
N73.6 Million TETFund Contract Scandal: Plateau Lawmaker Declared Wanted, But What's the Full Story?
By Fix TV Investigative Desk – Abuja | September 13, 2025
A Federal High Court in Abuja has declared Plateau State lawmaker, Hon. Dr. Adamu Aliyu, wanted over allegations that he defrauded a businessman of over ₦73.6 million in a fraudulent contract scheme involving the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). But as Fix TV has found, the case may be more complex than it first appears.
The Allegation
In an application brought before the court by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Aliyu is accused of defrauding a businessman, Mohammed Jidda, through a fake TETFund contract.
The purported contract, allegedly worth ₦500 million, was said to be for the construction of an indoor sports complex at the University of Jos. Jidda claims he paid ₦73.6 million to Dr. Aliyu to “facilitate” the contract, which turned out to be fake.
According to court filings as reported by multiple outlets, the University of Jos has since disavowed the letter of award, calling it forged and never issued by the institution.
Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja granted ICPC’s application to declare Dr. Aliyu a wanted person after he reportedly failed to respond to summons. The court also empowered law enforcement agencies and, notably, private citizens, to arrest him and hand him over to the ICPC.
Dr. Aliyu’s Response: “This is a Civil Dispute”
In a detailed response to the allegations, Hon. Dr. Aliyu has firmly denied wrongdoing. Speaking to the press through associates, he described the situation as a “business misunderstanding” rather than criminal fraud.
“This is not a case of fraud,” Dr. Aliyu was quoted as saying. “It is a civil matter arising from consultancy services. No fake contract was ever presented by me knowingly.”
He claims to have refunded ₦45 million out of the total sum received, and asserts that this refund is evidence of his good faith and commitment to resolving the matter.
Furthermore, Aliyu maintains that he did not forge the TETFund letter and that he only presented the document through an intermediary. He names another individual, Saad Abubakar, as the person who facilitated parts of the process.
Where Is the Official Court Document?
As of this report, Fix TV has been unable to independently verify the court’s order through official public documents. While multiple media houses have cited “court filings” and “documents,” the Federal High Court has not published the full ruling or arrest warrant online.
Legal analysts say this is not unusual, as such orders are often communicated directly to agencies like the ICPC and not always uploaded to public portals unless challenged in court or made part of a high-profile appeal.
Nonetheless, transparency advocates argue that such documents should be made accessible to prevent misinformation and trial by media.
An Honourable or a Hustler? Public Opinion Divided
In Plateau State, where Dr. Aliyu serves as a member of the House of Assembly, public opinion is split.
Supporters describe him as a principled and vocal lawmaker who has championed youth empowerment and spoken up against ethnic exclusion, including recent protests against alleged discrimination in federal recruitment in Jos North.
Critics, however, argue that this is not the first time questions have been raised about his political conduct, though no prior criminal charges have been filed.
Fix TV reached out to political analysts in Jos, some of whom view the case as potentially politically motivated, while others caution against pre-judging either side before all facts are presented in court.
The Bigger Picture: Contract Fraud and Governance
The case also highlights broader concerns about fake contracts and the vulnerability of businessmen and contractors navigating Nigeria’s public procurement space.
The TETFund, a federal body designed to support higher education infrastructure, has been linked to several fraudulent schemes in recent years, often involving impersonation or forged letters.
ICPC has stepped up investigations across tertiary institutions, and this case may be a test of its ability to go after high-profile individuals.
What Happens Next?
Unless Dr. Aliyu appears before the ICPC or is arrested and brought in, the case may remain at the investigative stage. Legal experts say the distinction between civil breach of trust and criminal fraud will be central in determining the court’s final position.
Dr. Aliyu’s legal team is reportedly preparing a defense and may challenge the “wanted” order on procedural grounds, particularly his claim that he was abroad (in Saudi Arabia) and unaware of official summons.
Until the case is tried in court, Nigerian law guarantees the presumption of innocence.
Fix TV Conclusion: Layers, Not Labels
As the case unfolds, Fix TV urges the public to withhold judgment. While the allegations are serious and deserve thorough investigation, so too do the claims of repayment, miscommunication, and the possibility of third-party involvement.
At stake is not only the integrity of one lawmaker but the credibility of Nigeria’s justice system to handle such disputes fairly, transparently, and without political coloration.
