The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has expressed strong displeasure over recent claims by Bauchi State Governor, His Excellency Bala Mohammed, suggesting that the Commission is being manipulated by political rivals to target him and his aides. Governor Mohammed had alleged that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was using the EFCC as a tool for political persecution.
In a detailed response, the EFCC described the governor’s assertions as wild and far-fetched, emphasizing the agency’s status as an independent body established to combat economic and financial crimes in Nigeria. According to the Commission, attempts to paint it as a pliable organization serving partisan interests are both mischievous and condemnable.
“The EFCC is non-partisan and discharges its mandate without affection or ill will,” the statement read.
The Commission further criticized Governor Mohammed for attempting to attribute its investigative activities in Bauchi State to external political influence. EFCC insisted that no political officeholder holds the power to influence the Commission’s operations, stressing that such claims are derogatory and misleading.
The statement also highlighted that Governor Mohammed was already facing trial for money laundering at the time of his election, and it was only the constitutional immunity attached to his gubernatorial office that temporarily halted the proceedings. EFCC questioned who, if not itself, had investigated and charged Mohammed in 2016, challenging the governor’s narrative of political interference.
In the ongoing cases concerning some officials in the Bauchi State government, the EFCC noted that all charges have been properly filed in court, and the public has access to these legal documents. “Members of the public can examine the charges and determine for themselves whether the investigations are politically motivated or the result of meticulous work by the EFCC,” the statement said. The Commission also explained why Governor Mohammed, as the approving authority in Bauchi State, is mentioned in the legal filings.
Addressing allegations regarding terrorism financing, the EFCC dismissed these claims as baseless, insisting that the Commission acts in accordance with existing laws. “Crying wolf over issues of terrorism financing is like clutching at straws. The Commission did not invent the law, and where offences are punishable by extant legislation, the EFCC would be failing in its responsibility not to act,” it added.
The Commission also called on Nigerian politicians to prioritize public accountability, highlighting what it described as a double standard in political discourse. EFCC pointed out that opposition figures often decry persecution when investigated, yet remain silent when members of the ruling party face legal scrutiny. Recently, the Commission arraigned a senior member of the ruling party for alleged corruption, yet no complaints of political victimization were raised from across the political spectrum.
Concluding its statement, the EFCC urged Governor Mohammed to focus on the governance of Bauchi State, while the Commission continues its mandate of cleaning up the financial landscape of the nation.
“Governor Mohammed should leave the EFCC to perform its statutory duties and devote his energy to the service of Bauchi State citizens,” the agency said.
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