EFCC rejects Bala Mohammed’s allegations, reaffirms independence as no office holder influences its wirkings
By SUMAYYAH ADEFAKA
The EFCC further stated that Governor Mohammed was standing trial for money laundering before assuming office in 2019, noting that the case was put on hold only because of the constitutional immunity attached to his current position.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed allegations by Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, that it is being used by the Federal Government and political opponents to persecute him and his associates.
In a statement titled “Disregard Bala Mohammed’s Wild Claims,” posted on its official Facebook page, the anti-graft agency described the governor’s accusations as unfounded and far-fetched, stressing that it remains an independent and non-partisan institution established to combat economic and financial crimes.
Governor Mohammed had alleged that the Bola Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration was deploying agencies such as the EFCC to harass opposition figures who refused to defect to the ruling party. He also claimed he was being accused of corruption and terrorism financing, warning that continued persecution of opposition members could provoke serious political consequences.
Reacting, the EFCC said it viewed the claims “with great displeasure,” particularly accusations that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was influencing its activities against the Bauchi State government.
“The EFCC is an independent agency created to fight economic and financial crimes,” the statement read. “The Commission is non-partisan and discharges its mandate without affection or ill will. Any attempt to portray it as a pliable agency serving political interests is mischievous and condemnable.”
The Commission added that it was derogatory to suggest that any political office holder could influence its investigations, insisting that its actions in Bauchi State were guided strictly by law and evidence.
The EFCC further stated that Governor Mohammed was standing trial for money laundering before assuming office in 2019, noting that the case was put on hold only because of the constitutional immunity attached to his current position.
“If Bala Mohammed wants to be honest, he would have revealed to Nigerians that he was already facing trial at the time he was elected governor,” the agency said, questioning who allegedly influenced the Commission to investigate and charge him as far back as 2016.
The EFCC, however, did not state whether Mohammed had now completed his tenure as governor to now be prosecuted.
According to the EFCC, charges against some Bauchi State government officials are already before the court and available for public scrutiny, adding that the governor was mentioned in the charge as the approving authority.
On allegations of terrorism financing, the Commission said such claims were an attempt to divert attention, noting that it merely enforces existing laws and would be failing in its duty if it ignored offences punishable under Nigerian law.
The EFCC also accused opposition politicians of double standards, pointing out that when members of the ruling party are prosecuted, similar allegations of persecution are rarely raised.
“Recently, the Commission arraigned a ranking member of the ruling party in court for alleged corruption, and not a whimper of persecution was heard from any political divide,” the statement added.
The agency urged Governor Mohammed to focus on governance in Bauchi State and allow the EFCC to carry out its mandate of sanitising Nigeria’s financial system.
