EFCC Rejects Bala Mohammed’s Persecution Claims, Insists Bauchi Corruption Probe Is Lawful and Not Driven by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly dismissed allegations by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, that he is being politically persecuted through the agency at the instigation of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The anti-graft body described the claims as baseless, mischievous and far-fetched, insisting that it operates independently and without political influence.
In a statement issued on Friday, the EFCC said it was wrong and derogatory for the governor to link its investigative activities in Bauchi State to Wike or any other political office holder. The commission stressed that it is a non-partisan institution mandated by law to fight economic and financial crimes, and that no politician has the power to dictate its operations.
The EFCC further pointed out that Governor Mohammed had faced money laundering charges before assuming office in 2019, noting that only the constitutional immunity attached to his position as governor suspended the case. It questioned who influenced the commission to investigate and prosecute him in 2016, arguing that the current allegations of persecution were misleading.
On the ongoing case involving some Bauchi State officials, the commission maintained that the matter is already before the court and based on evidence gathered through what it described as painstaking investigation. It urged Nigerians to examine the court filings themselves to determine whether the case is motivated by vendetta or supported by facts, adding that Mohammed is mentioned in the charges because he was the approving authority in the state.
The EFCC also dismissed the governor’s denial of alleged links between Bauchi officials and terrorism financing, describing such claims as a distraction and “crying wolf.” It accused politicians across party lines of hypocrisy, noting that opposition figures often cry persecution when called to account but remain silent when members of the ruling party face corruption charges.
Concluding its statement, the EFCC advised Governor Mohammed to focus on governance rather than attacking the agency, while reaffirming its commitment to cleaning Nigeria’s financial system in line with its statutory mandate.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly dismissed allegations by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, that he is being politically persecuted through the agency at the instigation of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The anti-graft body described the claims as baseless, mischievous and far-fetched, insisting that it operates independently and without political influence.
In a statement issued on Friday, the EFCC said it was wrong and derogatory for the governor to link its investigative activities in Bauchi State to Wike or any other political office holder. The commission stressed that it is a non-partisan institution mandated by law to fight economic and financial crimes, and that no politician has the power to dictate its operations.
The EFCC further pointed out that Governor Mohammed had faced money laundering charges before assuming office in 2019, noting that only the constitutional immunity attached to his position as governor suspended the case. It questioned who influenced the commission to investigate and prosecute him in 2016, arguing that the current allegations of persecution were misleading.
On the ongoing case involving some Bauchi State officials, the commission maintained that the matter is already before the court and based on evidence gathered through what it described as painstaking investigation. It urged Nigerians to examine the court filings themselves to determine whether the case is motivated by vendetta or supported by facts, adding that Mohammed is mentioned in the charges because he was the approving authority in the state.
The EFCC also dismissed the governor’s denial of alleged links between Bauchi officials and terrorism financing, describing such claims as a distraction and “crying wolf.” It accused politicians across party lines of hypocrisy, noting that opposition figures often cry persecution when called to account but remain silent when members of the ruling party face corruption charges.
Concluding its statement, the EFCC advised Governor Mohammed to focus on governance rather than attacking the agency, while reaffirming its commitment to cleaning Nigeria’s financial system in line with its statutory mandate.
EFCC Rejects Bala Mohammed’s Persecution Claims, Insists Bauchi Corruption Probe Is Lawful and Not Driven by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly dismissed allegations by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, that he is being politically persecuted through the agency at the instigation of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The anti-graft body described the claims as baseless, mischievous and far-fetched, insisting that it operates independently and without political influence.
In a statement issued on Friday, the EFCC said it was wrong and derogatory for the governor to link its investigative activities in Bauchi State to Wike or any other political office holder. The commission stressed that it is a non-partisan institution mandated by law to fight economic and financial crimes, and that no politician has the power to dictate its operations.
The EFCC further pointed out that Governor Mohammed had faced money laundering charges before assuming office in 2019, noting that only the constitutional immunity attached to his position as governor suspended the case. It questioned who influenced the commission to investigate and prosecute him in 2016, arguing that the current allegations of persecution were misleading.
On the ongoing case involving some Bauchi State officials, the commission maintained that the matter is already before the court and based on evidence gathered through what it described as painstaking investigation. It urged Nigerians to examine the court filings themselves to determine whether the case is motivated by vendetta or supported by facts, adding that Mohammed is mentioned in the charges because he was the approving authority in the state.
The EFCC also dismissed the governor’s denial of alleged links between Bauchi officials and terrorism financing, describing such claims as a distraction and “crying wolf.” It accused politicians across party lines of hypocrisy, noting that opposition figures often cry persecution when called to account but remain silent when members of the ruling party face corruption charges.
Concluding its statement, the EFCC advised Governor Mohammed to focus on governance rather than attacking the agency, while reaffirming its commitment to cleaning Nigeria’s financial system in line with its statutory mandate.
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