EFCC fires back at Bala Mohammed, says ‘wild allegations of political persecution are false’

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly rejected Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed’s claims that the agency is being used to persecute him and his aides for refusing to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement posted on its verified Facebook account on Friday, the Commission described the governor’s allegations as “wild” and “far-fetched,” stressing that it is an independent, non-partisan body tasked with fighting economic and financial crimes.

“The attempt to portray the EFCC as a pliable agency that panders to the demands of political interests is mischievous and condemnable,” the statement said.

The EFCC also dismissed Mohammed’s assertion that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, influenced its investigations in Bauchi State. The Commission emphasised that no political office holder can interfere with its operations. It further reminded Nigerians that the governor had been under investigation for money laundering before his election and that only constitutional immunity has temporarily halted proceedings against him.

“Who also influenced the Commission to investigate him in 2016 and charge him to court?” the statement asked, urging the public to review court documents to see that the ongoing cases against Bauchi State officials are the result of thorough investigation, not political vendetta.

The EFCC described the governor’s claims regarding terrorism financing as “like clutching at straws,” stressing that it operates strictly within the law. It called on all politicians to prioritise public accountability rather than cry persecution when called to account.

“Recently, the Commission arraigned a ranking member of the ruling party in court for alleged corruption, and no claims of persecution were made,” the statement added.

The EFCC concluded by urging Governor Mohammed to focus on governing Bauchi State and allow the Commission to continue its mandate of cleaning Nigeria’s financial space.

The Commission’s statement follows the governor’s Wednesday claims at the Government House in Bauchi that the APC-led federal government was deploying state institutions, including the EFCC, to intimidate political opponents. Mohammed alleged that one of his commissioners is being detained and insisted that no pressure would force him to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

It was gathered that the EFCC has filed fresh criminal charges against Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and others over alleged terrorism financing involving about $9.7 million.