The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed the allegations of political persecution by the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed as “wild” and unfounded.
The EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, made the clarification in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.
He was responding to Mohammed’s claim that political interests, particularly the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, were influencing EFCC actions against him and his cabinet members.
The governor’s claim followed the arraignment of the state’s Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, for alleged terrorism financing.
Oyewale said Governor Mohammed’s claims were “far-fetched” and stressed that EFCC operated independently, without political interference.
“The EFCC is an independent agency created to fight economic and financial crimes.
“The commission is non-partisan and discharges its mandate without affection or ill will,” he stated.
He stressed that it was mischievous for anyone to claim that the EFCC was pliable to political demands.
Oyewale also said it was “derogatory” for Mohammed to link ongoing investigations in Bauchi State to any political office holder.
“No political office holder can influence the Commission’s investigative activities.
“If Bala Mohammed wants to be honest, he would have revealed to Nigerians that he was standing trial for money laundering when he won election as governor,” the EFCC spokesman stated.
Oyewale added that the facts against some Bauchi State officials were already before the court, and the public could access charges to determine whether the case stemmed from vendetta or careful investigation.
He noted that Mohammed was mentioned in the charges as the approving authority.
“The commission did not invent the law. Where offences exist under extant laws, EFCC must act responsibly,” Oyewale noted.
He stressed that public accountability should be a priority for all politicians.
“It is hypocritical for opposition figures to scream persecution when called to account, yet remain silent when ruling party members face similar charges,” he concluded
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