The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly dismissed allegations by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed that the anti-graft agency is being manipulated by political opponents, particularly Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, to target him and his aides.
In a detailed statement, the EFCC described Mohammed's claims as "wild" and "far-fetched," reaffirming its independence and non-partisan mandate in combating economic and financial crimes.
"The EFCC is an independent agency created to fight economic and financial crimes. The Commission is non-partisan and discharges its mandate without affection or ill will," the statement read.
It condemned attempts to portray the agency as influenced by political interests as "mischievous and condemnable."
The rebuttal comes amid escalating tensions following the recent arraignment of Bauchi State officials, including Commissioner for Finance Yakubu Adamu, on charges involving alleged money laundering and terrorism financing totaling around $9.7 million.
Governor Mohammed's name has been referenced in the charges as the approving authority, though he enjoys constitutional immunity from prosecution.
The EFCC highlighted Mohammed's prior legal troubles, noting that he faced money laundering charges in 2016 before his election as governor and that the case remains on hold solely due to his current immunity.
"Who also influenced the Commission to investigate him in 2016 and charge him to court?" the agency questioned.
Dismissing suggestions of vendetta, the EFCC urged the public to review the court-filed charges to assess whether they stem from thorough investigation rather than political motives.
It also rejected Mohammed's references to terrorism financing allegations as "clutching at straws," emphasizing that the agency is bound to enforce existing laws.
The statement criticized what it called hypocrisy among opposition figures who decry persecution only when their allies are targeted, pointing to a recent arraignment of a high-ranking ruling party member without similar outcry.
"Governor Mohammed should face the governance of Bauchi State and allow the EFCC focus more on cleaning the financial space of the nation, in line with its assigned mandate," the EFCC concluded.
The exchange shows ongoing political frictions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and broader debates over the use of anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria's polarized landscape.
Minister Wike has separately denied any involvement in the EFCC probes, urging Mohammed to address his challenges directly.
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