The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed allegations by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed that political office holders are using the agency to persecute him and members of his administration.
The anti-graft agency described the claims as unfounded. EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale made the clarification on Friday in Abuja.
EFCC Insists on Independence
Oyewale responded to suggestions that political interests, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, were influencing EFCC investigations involving Bauchi State officials.
According to him, the commission operates independently and does not take instructions from any political office holder.
“No political office holder can influence the Commission’s investigative activities,” Oyewale said. He added that the EFCC remains non-partisan in the discharge of its duties.
EFCC Calls Claims Mischievous
The EFCC spokesperson described attempts to portray the agency as pliable to political demands as mischievous and condemnable. He said linking ongoing investigations in Bauchi State to political vendetta was misleading.
Oyewale stressed that the commission acts strictly within the law and follows evidence wherever it leads.
“The EFCC did not invent the law,” he said. “Where offences exist under extant laws, the commission must act responsibly.”
EFCC Defends Ongoing Prosecutions
Oyewale noted that cases involving some Bauchi State officials are already before the court. He said members of the public could access the charge sheets to determine whether the prosecutions stemmed from vendetta or proper investigation.
He also revealed that Governor Mohammed was mentioned in the charges as the approving authority in some of the transactions under probe.
The EFCC spokesperson dismissed claims linking the investigations to terrorism financing allegations, describing them as “clutching at straws.”
EFCC Urges Focus on Governance
Oyewale said public accountability should remain a priority for all political leaders. He criticised what he described as selective outrage whenever anti-corruption agencies investigate opposition figures.
“It is hypocritical to cry persecution when called to account, yet remain silent when members of the ruling party face similar charges,” he said.
He concluded by urging Governor Mohammed to focus on governing Bauchi State, while the EFCC continues its mandate to clean Nigeria’s financial system.
