By Adesakin Adefemi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly rejected allegations by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed that the agency is being used by political opponents to target him and his administration.
In a statement, the EFCC described Mohammed’s claims as “wild” and “far-fetched,” insisting that it operates independently and without political influence.
The anti-graft agency emphasized that it is non-partisan and discharges its mandate without affection or ill will, and that the attempt to portray it as a pliable agency that panders to the demands of certain political interests is mischievous and condemnable.
According to the EFCC, Mohammed was standing trial for money laundering before he won the governorship election in 2016, and the case was only put on hold due to his constitutional immunity. This revelation has sparked intense interest in the allegations against the governor.
The commission has urged Mohammed to focus on governance and allow it to carry out its mandate of sanitising the nation’s financial system.
The EFCC also dismissed claims that it was “crying wolf” by linking the matter to terrorism financing, saying it was enforcing existing laws and would be failing in its duty if it acted otherwise
The EFCC stated that the facts against some Bauchi State Government officials have already been placed before the court, and members of the public can access the charge sheets to determine whether the cases are politically motivated or the outcome of investigations.
Mohammed had earlier accused the EFCC of political persecution after the commission initiated legal action against some officials of his administration, alleging that the actions were aimed at pressuring him to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The EFCC described Mohammed’s claims as hypocritical, noting that opposition figures often scream persecution when under investigation, while members of the ruling party face similar charges without complaint.
The commission emphasized that public accountability, not political excuses, should guide all office holders. It also stressed that no political office holder has the power to influence its investigative work.
The development has sparked widespread interest in the allegations against Governor Mohammed and the EFCC’s investigation, with many calling for transparency and accountability in governance.
