The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly rejected allegations by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, that the anti-graft agency is being used as a political weapon against him and officials of his administration.
In a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, the EFCC described the governor’s claims as “wild” and “far-fetched,” stressing that the commission operates independently and is not influenced by political interests.
Governor Mohammed had alleged that the EFCC was being manipulated by political rivals, particularly the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to target him and members of his government.
Responding, the commission stated that it is a constitutionally established body mandated to combat economic and financial crimes without fear or favour.
“The EFCC is an independent, non-partisan agency that carries out its duties without affection or ill will,” the statement said.
“Any attempt to portray the commission as a pliable tool in the hands of political interests is mischievous and condemnable.”
The EFCC further described it as “derogatory” for the Bauchi governor to suggest that its operations in the state were influenced by any political office holder, insisting that no individual has the power to interfere with its investigations.
Addressing Mohammed’s political history, the commission noted that the governor was already standing trial for alleged money laundering at the time he won the Bauchi governorship election.
“Only the constitutional immunity attached to his office has placed that case on hold,” the statement added.
“Who influenced the commission to investigate and charge him in 2016?”
On the ongoing prosecution of some Bauchi State Government officials, the EFCC said the facts of the cases are already before the courts, and Nigerians are free to examine the charge sheets to determine whether the actions are politically motivated or based on established investigations.
The commission also dismissed claims that it was exaggerating allegations by linking the cases to terrorism financing, explaining that it was merely enforcing existing laws.
“It is hypocritical for opposition politicians to cry persecution when their members are held accountable, yet remain silent when members of the ruling party face similar charges,” the EFCC stated.
The agency cited a recent case involving a senior member of the ruling party who was arraigned on corruption charges without any outcry of political persecution.
The EFCC advised Governor Mohammed to concentrate on governance and allow the commission to carry out its responsibility of protecting Nigeria’s financial system.
Governor Mohammed had earlier accused the EFCC of targeting his administration after legal actions were initiated against some of his aides, claims he said were aimed at pressuring him to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
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