By Rafiyat Sadiq
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal administrative bail after questioning him over alleged financial misconduct.
Tambuwal, who also served as Speaker of the House of Representatives, is accused of withdrawing about N189 billion during his tenure as governor.
A senior EFCC official said the former governor was released after providing the information required by investigators. “He has already been granted administrative bail. We have extracted what we need from him, and he will soon leave our headquarters after perfecting his bail conditions,” the official stated.
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EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development but declined further comment.
Tambuwal honoured the EFCC’s invitation on Monday, arriving at the commission’s Abuja headquarters at 11:16 a.m.
Meanwhile, Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, reacted to Tambuwal’s arrest, calling for transparency and fairness in Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight.
In a statement on his verified X account, Obi said the public must be convinced that anti-graft laws apply equally to all Nigerians and not selectively to political opponents. He urged investigators to be guided by evidence, the rule of law, and sincerity of purpose.
The case is still under investigation.
Atiku, ADC Accuse EFCC of Political Bias Over Tambuwal’s Arrest
However, the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have criticised the detention of former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal by the EFCC over alleged N189 billion withdrawals, accusing the agency of being used to target opposition figures ahead of the 2027 elections.
Atiku alleged that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was weaponising anti-corruption efforts to intimidate and coerce opposition leaders into joining the APC, calling the move political persecution. The ADC described the EFCC’s actions as selective and questioned the timing of probes into long-departed opposition officials while ignoring corruption cases involving ruling party members.
In response, the EFCC denied any political bias, insisting that its investigations are evidence-based and cover members of all political parties, including APC governors and ministers. The agency dismissed the ADC’s claims as diversionary and maintained that corruption cases can be pursued at any time.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
