Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed allegations by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed that the agency is being used as a political weapon by his rivals.
In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, the EFCC described the Governor’s claims as “wild and far-fetched,” insisting that it remains a non-partisan body dedicated to fighting financial crime.
The row marks a significant escalation in the tension between the state executive and the federal anti-graft agency, as several Bauchi state officials face active court cases.
‘Independence’ under fire
Governor Mohammed had suggested that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike—a powerful political figure—was influencing the Commission to target him and his aides.
The EFCC rejected this, stating that no political office holder has the power to dictate its investigative activities.
“The attempt to portray the EFCC as a pliable agency that panders to the demands of certain political interests is mischievous and condemnable,” the commission said. It added that it was “derogatory” to suggest its work in Bauchi was the result of external influence.
Immunity and past trials
The commission took the unusual step of reminding the public of the Governor’s legal history, noting that Mr Mohammed was standing trial for money laundering at the time he was first elected in 2019.
The agency clarified that the only reason the case is not currently proceeding is the constitutional immunity granted to sitting governors. “Who influenced the Commission to investigate him in 2016 and charge him to court?” the statement asked pointedly.
‘Crying wolf’
Addressing the current legal actions involving Bauchi state officials, the EFCC insisted the cases are based on “painstaking investigation” rather than vendetta.
The agency also dismissed the Governor’s complaints regarding investigations into terrorism financing, describing his reaction as “clutching at straws.”
“Public accountability should be the priority of politicians of all persuasions,” the EFCC stated, accusing opposition figures of hypocrisy for screaming “persecution” only when their own members are called to account.
A call to governance
The commission concluded by urging Governor Mohammed to focus on the administration of Bauchi State while allowing the agency to “clean the financial space of the nation.”
The Governor has yet to respond to the EFCC’s latest statement, but the public spat has intensified the debate over the independence of Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions ahead of the next political cycle.
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