The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted bail to former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, following his interrogation over allegations of fraudulent cash withdrawals amounting to N189 billion during his tenure. However, the anti-graft agency has withheld Tambuwal’s passport as part of the conditions for his release, signaling that the investigation remains active.
Tambuwal, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023 and is a prominent member of the opposition, was questioned by EFCC operatives at their Abuja headquarters on Monday. The allegations center on purportedly irregular financial transactions, including massive cash withdrawals from state accounts, which the EFCC claims were not properly documented and may constitute financial misappropriation.
An EFCC source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Tambuwal was released on administrative bail late Tuesday after fulfilling undisclosed conditions. The seizure of his passport suggests that the agency intends to restrict his movements while the investigation continues. “The bail is conditional, and we are still investigating the allegations thoroughly,” the source stated.
The EFCC has not publicly disclosed specific details of the alleged fraud, including the timeframe or the accounts involved. However, the scale of the alleged withdrawals—N189 billion—has raised eyebrows, with critics questioning the credibility of the accusations and suggesting political motivations behind the probe.
Tambuwal’s legal team has dismissed the allegations as baseless, accusing the EFCC of targeting opposition figures to tarnish their reputations. “Our client has fully cooperated with the EFCC and provided all necessary clarifications,” a statement from his counsel read. “These accusations are a calculated attempt to malign his character and distract from his contributions to national development.”
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a related development, recently accused the EFCC of selectively targeting opposition leaders, citing Tambuwal’s case alongside alleged investigations into former Senate President David Mark and former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha. The ADC described the probes as part of a broader strategy to weaken opposition ahead of future elections.
Public reactions to Tambuwal’s bail have been mixed. Supporters argue that the EFCC’s actions lack transparency and are politically driven, while others insist that the agency must be allowed to carry out its mandate without interference. The withholding of Tambuwal’s passport has further fueled debates about the balance between anti-corruption efforts and potential overreach by the agency.
As the investigation unfolds, Tambuwal remains a key figure in Nigeria’s political landscape, and the outcome of the EFCC’s probe could have significant implications for his future and the broader opposition movement. The EFCC has yet to announce a timeline for concluding its investigation or whether formal charges will be filed.
For now, Tambuwal is expected to comply with the bail conditions while his legal team prepares to challenge the allegations. The case continues to draw attention, with many Nigerians watching closely for developments in what has become a high-stakes political and legal battle.
