The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly rejected claims by the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, that the anti-graft agency is being used by political opponents—particularly the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike—to persecute him and members of his administration.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the EFCC said it views the allegations with “great displeasure,” describing them as wild, far-fetched, and deliberately misleading. The Commission stressed that it is an independent, non-partisan agency established to combat economic and financial crimes without fear or favour.
“The attempt to portray the EFCC as a pliable agency that panders to the demands of certain political interests is mischievous and condemnable,” the statement said.
The Commission dismissed as derogatory the governor’s claim that its activities in Bauchi State are influenced by the FCT minister, insisting that no political office holder has the power to interfere with its investigative processes.
The EFCC further stated that Governor Mohammed failed to disclose that he was already standing trial for money laundering at the time he won election as governor, noting that only the constitutional immunity attached to his office has placed that case in abeyance. The Commission questioned who allegedly influenced its decision to investigate and charge him to court in 2016.
On the ongoing cases involving officials of the Bauchi State Government, the EFCC said the facts are already before the courts and accessible to the public. It maintained that Nigerians can independently assess whether the charges stem from political vendetta or from thorough investigations. The Commission added that Governor Mohammed is mentioned in the charge sheets because he was the approving authority in the state.
Reacting to claims linking the investigations to terrorism financing, the EFCC described such assertions as “clutching at straws,” noting that it did not create the law and would be derelict in its duty if it failed to act where offences punishable under existing laws are suspected.
The anti-graft agency also accused politicians of hypocrisy, saying it is common for opposition figures to cry persecution when investigated, while remaining silent when members of the ruling party face similar charges. It cited the recent arraignment of a senior ruling party member for alleged corruption, which did not attract claims of persecution from any political divide.
The EFCC urged Governor Mohammed to focus on governing Bauchi State and allow the Commission to carry out its mandate of sanitising Nigeria’s financial system in the interest of public accountability.
