The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rejected claims by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, that the anti-graft agency is being used by his political rivals—particularly the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike—to persecute him and members of his administration.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Commission described the allegations as “wild, far-fetched, mischievous and condemnable,” stressing that it operates as an independent and non-partisan body, carrying out its statutory duties without fear or favour.
Legit9ja reports that the EFCC cautioned against attempts to portray the agency as a tool in the hands of political interests, describing such narratives as misleading and damaging. It maintained that no political office holder has the power to influence its investigative or prosecutorial activities.
“It is important to state that no political office holder is in a position to influence the investigative activities of the Commission,” the EFCC said, adding that linking its actions in Bauchi State to the influence of Wike was baseless.
The Commission further noted that Governor Mohammed failed to inform Nigerians that he was already facing trial for money laundering before winning the governorship election in 2019, explaining that the case was only stalled due to the constitutional immunity attached to his office.
“Who influenced the Commission to investigate him in 2016 and charge him to court?” the EFCC queried.
On the ongoing cases involving officials of the Bauchi State Government, the agency stated that the facts are already before the courts and available to the public, who can judge whether the charges are products of vendetta or the outcome of thorough investigations.
The EFCC also dismissed claims that allegations of terrorism financing were fabricated, noting that it merely enforces existing laws and would be derelict in its duties if it ignored offences punishable under current statutes.
The Commission accused some politicians of hypocrisy, observing that allegations of persecution often surface only when opposition figures are investigated, while similar cases involving members of the ruling party attract no such outcry.
“Recently, the Commission arraigned a ranking member of the ruling party for alleged corruption, and no allegation of persecution was raised,” it stated.
The EFCC advised Governor Mohammed to concentrate on governance in Bauchi State and allow the Commission to continue its mandate of sanitising Nigeria’s financial system in the interest of transparency and public accountability.