EFCC Releases ex-Sokoto Gov Tambuwal After Interrogation over ‘₦189bn Fraud’

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, August 12, released Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former governor of Sokoto State and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, on administrative bail following his detention over allegations of fraudulent withdrawals totalling ₦189 billion during his tenure as governor.

Tambuwal honoured an EFCC invitation on Monday, arriving at the commission’s Abuja headquarters at about 11:16 a.m. He was detained for approximately 48 hours after allegedly failing to respond satisfactorily to questions regarding transactions that the EFCC claims contravened the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

A senior EFCC detective confirmed that Tambuwal was granted administrative bail around 6 p.m. on Tuesday, with sources indicating he was released that afternoon after meeting the bail conditions.

The official noted that the commission had “extracted what we need from him” but declined to confirm whether charges would be filed. EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale could not be reached for official comment.

The case has sparked significant political controversy, with opposition figures accusing the Tinubu administration of weaponising the EFCC to target political adversaries. Former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, described Tambuwal’s arrest as “politically motivated” and part of “a broader agenda to harass, intimidate, and decimate the opposition.” Atiku, in a post on X, warned that such actions threaten Nigeria’s democratic stability, stating, “It is only because he is a member of the opposition coalition.”

The Sokoto State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) echoed this sentiment, alleging that the arrest was a ploy to tarnish Tambuwal’s image and pressure defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Similarly, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) accused the EFCC of “selective prosecution,” citing the targeting of Tambuwal alongside other prominent opposition leaders.

EFCC sources stated that the investigation into the alleged ₦189 billion fraud will continue, with more witnesses expected to be invited in the coming days. Tambuwal’s camp has yet to issue a formal statement, but political analysts suggest the case could further strain relations between the APC and opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

(The Sun)