The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied allegations by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed that the agency is being used by the Federal Government or political rivals to target him and officials of his administration
In a statement on Friday, the anti-graft body urged Nigerians to disregard the governor’s claims, describing them as unfounded and misleading.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, views with great displeasure the claims of Bauchi State Governor, His Excellency, Bala Mohammed about the Commission being used by political opponents, particularly the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to persecute him and his aides,” the statement read.
The commission called the allegations “wild” and “far-fetched,” emphasizing that it operates independently and without political bias.
“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. Portraying the agency as pliable to political interests is mischievous and condemnable,” it said.
The EFCC also rejected claims that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory or any political officeholder could influence its investigations. “It is derogatory for Mohammed to ascribe the Commission’s activities in Bauchi State to the influence of Mr. Wike. No political officeholder is in a position to influence the investigative activities of the Commission,” the statement added.
Regarding the governor’s personal history with the agency, the EFCC noted that Mohammed was facing charges before assuming office. “If Bala Mohammed wants to be honest, he would have revealed to Nigerians that he was standing trial for money laundering at the time he won election as governor of Bauchi State,” the agency said. The commission noted that only the constitutional immunity attached to the office of governor had delayed the prosecution.
The EFCC further questioned Mohammed’s claims of political persecution, recalling that investigations into him began in 2016. “Who also influenced the Commission to investigate him in 2016 and charge him to court?” the agency asked.
On cases involving Bauchi State government officials, the EFCC said the matters are before the court and based on evidence, not political vendetta. “In the instant case, the facts against some officials of Bauchi State government are already placed before the court,” it stated, urging the public to examine the charges for themselves.
The commission also dismissed Mohammed’s comments on terrorism financing, saying the allegations simply reflect enforcement of existing laws. “Crying wolf over issues of terrorism financing is like clutching at straws. Failure to act where laws are violated would amount to dereliction of duty,” it added.
Finally, the EFCC accused politicians of double standards, noting that claims of persecution often arise only when opposition figures are investigated. “It is the height of hypocrisy for opposition politicians to be quick to scream persecution each time an opposition figure is called to account,” the statement said. The commission advised the governor to focus on governance while it continues to tackle financial crimes.
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