Former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has regained his freedom from the detention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Senator Tambuwal was released this evening after being interrogated by operatives of the antigraft agency over his involvement of an alleged N189billionfraudulent cash withdrawal during her tenure as Governor of Sokoto State.
Tambuwal was at his Abuja residence receiving visits from well-wishers who came to felicitate with him.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress has rejected the allegations levelled against Tambuwal by EFCC.
In a statement titled: ‘False and Politically-Motivated Charges Against Sebator Amunu Waziri Tambuwal,’ the party said: "Our attention has been drawn to sensational media reports alleging that Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former Governor of Sokoto State, authorised fraudulent cash withdrawals amounting to ₦189 billion in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
These allegations are false, misleading, and politically motivated.
1. No Petition or New Evidence
Contrary to insinuations, there was no petition lodged against Senator Tambuwal. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) acted solely on purported “intelligence” from a previous investigation at its Sokoto Zonal Office. No fresh complaint or credible evidence was presented to justify the current action.
2. Role of a Governor in Public Finance
As Governor, Senator Tambuwal discharged his duties through the Deputy Governor, Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, and other authorised officials of the State Government. His role was limited to approving expenditure in principle. He did not prepare vouchers, process payments, or determine the mode of disbursement — functions that are the statutory responsibility of accounting officers and finance officials. At no time was he aware of any wrongful withdrawals over the eight-year period in question.
3. Misrepresentation of Figures
The much-publicised figure of ₦189 billion is a gross distortion. In reality, the EFCC presented isolated memos approving lawful expenditures — some as low as ₦190,000 or ₦2 million — over the span of eight years. Presenting such legitimate approvals as evidence of large-scale fraud is nothing but a smokescreen — a clear case of giving a dog a bad name in order to hang it.
4. Bail Process and Conditions
Senator Tambuwal honoured the EFCC’s invitation and requested liberal bail terms given his status as a serving Senator, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, and two-term Governor with a history of cooperation. Instead, he was subjected to unusually onerous conditions, including two federal directors with Certificates of Occupancy, introduction letters from employers, and other administrative requirements. Although he met all conditions except the introduction letter, which his legal team undertook to provide, the EFCC refused to release him and directed his detention.
5. Inhumane Treatment
While in EFCC custody, Senator Tambuwal was denied access to food, water, medication, and family members, in violation of his fundamental rights.
6. Conclusion
The arrest and detention of Senator Tambuwal is not a genuine anti-corruption exercise but a calculated attempt to smear his reputation, undermine his political standing, and intimidate the opposition. We urge the EFCC to resist being used as a tool for political persecution and to adhere strictly to the principles of fairness, due process, and the rule of law."
