The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rejected accusations that it is acting under political influence in its investigations in Bauchi State, saying its actions are lawful and independent. The response follows claims by Governor Bala Mohammed that the agency is being used to pressure him to join the ruling All Progressives Congress and to persecute him politically.
EFCC Bauchi probe: What the filings show
In a statement issued on Friday, the anti-graft agency described the governor’s allegations as “wild” and “far-fetched”, emphasising that the EFCC is a non-partisan body set up to tackle economic and financial crimes. The commission said it discharges its mandate without favour and that it is not subject to the control of any political office holder.
The EFCC questioned Governor Mohammed’s suggestion that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had influenced its activities in Bauchi. “It is derogatory for Mohammed to ascribe the Commission’s activities in Bauchi State to the influence of Mr. Wike,” the statement said, adding that no politician can direct its operations.
The commission also pointed out that Governor Mohammed had previously faced money-laundering charges before assuming office. The EFCC noted that the governor’s current immunity only placed the earlier case in abeyance and asked the public to recall who prompted the 2016 investigation and subsequent charge to court.
On the ongoing matter involving some Bauchi State officials, the EFCC said the case is already before the courts and rests on evidence. It encouraged Nigerians to read the court filings themselves, arguing that the documents would show whether the case stems from vendetta or from a careful investigation. The commission made a point of noting that, as the approving authority in Bauchi State, Governor Mohammed is mentioned in the charges.
The EFCC also addressed allegations linking the investigation to terrorism financing. The agency dismissed those claims as a distraction, saying that where offences are punishable under existing laws, it must act. “Crying wolf over issues of terrorism financing is like clutching at straws,” the statement said.
Highlighting perceived double standards in political discourse, the commission criticised politicians who denounce inquiries as persecution when opposition figures are investigated but stay silent when ruling party members are arraigned. It referenced a recent case in which a senior member of the ruling party was taken to court on corruption allegations without similar complaints of persecution from across the political spectrum.
The EFCC concluded by urging Governor Mohammed to concentrate on governing Bauchi State and to allow the commission to continue its work cleaning the country’s financial space. The agency framed its position as a defence of institutional independence and adherence to due process.
Observers say the dispute will test public confidence in anti-corruption institutions and the transparency of legal proceedings. The EFCC’s invitation to the public to access court documents may increase scrutiny of the case, but political tensions are likely to persist while the matter remains in court.
For now, the issue will proceed within the judicial system, leaving the question of political interference to be judged by evidence rather than rhetoric.
Key Takeaways:
- EFCC says investigations in Bauchi are lawful, independent and not influenced by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
- Governor Bala Mohammed accused the commission of political persecution; EFCC calls the claims baseless.
- The agency invites the public to review court filings related to the EFCC Bauchi probe to judge the evidence.
- EFCC dismisses terrorism-financing claims as a distraction and urges the governor to focus on governance.
