The political atmosphere in Plateau State grew tense on Thursday following the arrest of 15 former members of the Plateau State House of Assembly, including a former Speaker, Moses Thomas Sule, by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The arrested individuals, who now serve as liaison officers to Governor Caleb Mutfwang in their respective constituencies, were apprehended over allegations of money laundering, abuse of office, and procurement irregularities.
According to sources within the anti-graft agency, the arrests, which took place on June 17, 2025, are connected to violations of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Those arrested include Gwottson Fom, Sani Abubakar, Philip Gwom, Timothy Dantong, Happiness Mathew Akawu, Cornelius Dotyok, Agbalak Ibrahim, Danjuma Azi, Fwangje Bala Ndat, Salome Tanimu Wanglet, Namba Rimuyat, Nimchak Rims, Ishaku Maren, and Paul Datugun.
In swift reaction, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condemned the arrests, describing them as politically motivated and an attempt by elements within the All Progressives Congress (APC) to suppress opposition voices ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Jonathan Amande, the PDP said,
“The arrest of our members, including a former Speaker, is not just disturbing but a calculated attempt by APC actors to use state institutions to achieve partisan objectives. This is political persecution under the guise of anti-corruption.”
The party further alleged that the EFCC is being manipulated by APC leaders in the state to destabilise the PDP-led administration and intimidate loyalists.
“These leaders are using the EFCC as a weapon to target PDP members unjustly while turning a blind eye to the massive irregularities that characterised the APC’s eight years in office,” the statement added.
While reiterating its commitment to the rule of law and transparency, the PDP called on citizens to remain vigilant and resist any moves to undermine democratic institutions in the country.
“Weaponising anti-graft agencies for political gain is a dangerous precedent. We stand firm in our resolve to defend democratic ideals and ensure that justice prevails,” the statement concluded.
Responding to the allegations, Rufus Bature, Chairman of the APC in Plateau State, dismissed the claims as baseless and misleading.
“The PDP’s accusations are entirely unfounded. The APC has no involvement in the arrests. The EFCC is simply doing its job, and we cannot and have not interfered in their work,” Bature told Hobnob News.
He further emphasized that at no time had the APC discussed or initiated any action regarding the former lawmakers, adding that the PDP was attempting to politicize a standard investigative procedure.
“We urge them to allow the EFCC to conduct its investigations independently without dragging our party into baseless conspiracies,” he stated.
The development has sparked concern across Plateau, with political analysts warning that the situation could heighten partisan tensions unless handled transparently and in accordance with due process.
As investigations continue, attention remains fixed on the EFCC’s next move and the possible implications for Plateau’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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