The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, January 2nd, fired back at Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed, over his claim that the agency is being used for political persecution.
The governor had recently accused the commission of being a tool for political opponents, specifically the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Nyesom Wike, to target him and his aides.
The anti-graft agency described the claims as wild and far-fetched, reiterating its mandate as an independent, non-partisan body tasked with combating economic and financial crimes.
The EFCC emphasized that no political officeholder, including the FCT minister, has any influence over the commission’s investigative or prosecutorial activities.
In a statement issued on Friday, the EFCC noted that Mohammed was standing trial for money laundering when he won election as Bauchi state governor, adding that only constitutional immunity from prosecution attached to his current office has put that case on hold.
“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.
“Who also influenced the commission to investigate him in 2016 and charge him to court?” the statement read.
The anti-graft agency pointed out that the facts against some officials of the Bauchi state government are already before the court, inviting members of the public to access the charges and determine for themselves whether the case stems from vendetta or painstaking investigation.
Regarding allegations of terrorism financing, the EFCC stated that it did not invent the law and has a responsibility to act where offences punishable by existing laws are committed.
The commission also highlighted a double standard in the governor’s outcry, noting that members of the ruling party have also recently faced arraignment without similar claims of persecution.
The EFCC urged Mohammed to focus on the governance of Bauchi state, stressing that the anti-graft agency remains committed to its mandate of ensuring transparency and cleaning Nigeria’s financial space.
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