The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed claims by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed that it is being used by political opponents to target him and officials of his administration.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Friday, the anti-graft agency described the allegation as unfounded, insisting it operates independently and without political direction.
The EFCC was responding to comments attributed to Mohammed, in which he alleged that the commission was acting on the influence of political figures, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
“The EFCC is an independent agency created to fight economic and financial crimes,” the statement said. “The commission is non-partisan and discharges its mandate without affection or ill will.”
The agency said attempts to portray it as acting at the behest of political interests were misleading and unfair. It added that no political office holder had the power to influence its investigations.
“It is derogatory for Governor Mohammed to ascribe the commission’s activities in Bauchi State to the influence of Mr Wike,” the EFCC stated. “No political office holder is in a position to direct or influence our investigative work.”
Addressing Mohammed’s broader claims, the commission said the governor failed to disclose that he was standing trial for money laundering when he won election as Bauchi governor. According to the EFCC, only the constitutional immunity attached to his office halted the case.
“Who influenced the commission to investigate him in 2016 and charge him to court?” the statement asked.
On the ongoing prosecution of some Bauchi State Government officials, the EFCC said the facts had been placed before the courts and that charge sheets were publicly accessible. It urged Nigerians to judge the cases based on evidence rather than political claims.
The commission also rejected suggestions that it was exaggerating issues by linking the cases to terrorism financing. It said it was enforcing existing laws and would be failing in its duty if it ignored alleged offences.
“It is hypocritical for opposition figures to cry persecution when called to account, yet remain silent when members of the ruling party face similar charges,” the EFCC said, noting that it had recently arraigned a senior figure from the ruling party.
The agency advised the Bauchi governor to focus on governance and allow it to carry out its mandate of protecting Nigeria’s financial system.
Mohammed has accused the EFCC of targeting his administration as part of efforts to pressure him into defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
