EFCC to Gov. Bala: You’re using immunity to stall 2016 laundering case, stop blaming Wike
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The EFCC has dismissed as “wild and far-fetched” claims by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed that the Commission is being used by political opponents, particularly FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, to persecute him and his aides.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has hit back at Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed over his claims that the Commission’s activities in the state are influenced by political opponents, particularly FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
In a statement, the EFCC described the governor’s allegations as derogatory, mischievous, and far-fetched, stressing that no political office holder has the power to influence its investigative work.
The Commission also revealed that Bala Mohammed was already standing trial for money laundering in 2016, long before he won the governorship of Bauchi State.
According to EFCC, it is the constitutional immunity attached to his office that has temporarily put the case on hold — not any political interference.
“Who also influenced the Commission to investigate him in 2016 and charge him to court?” the statement asked, directly challenging the governor’s narrative on Channels Television.
The EFCC further criticized the governor for crying persecution, noting that opposition figures often scream harassment when under investigation, while members of the ruling party face similar charges without complaint.
The Commission emphasized that public accountability, not political excuses, should guide all office holders.
Highlighting the ongoing investigation in Bauchi, the EFCC said that facts against some state government officials have already been placed before the court, and members of the public are free to access the charges to assess for themselves whether the case is politically motivated or a product of diligent investigation.
On the issue of terrorism financing, the Commission dismissed the governor’s claims as attempts to distract from legal obligations. EFCC stated that where offences are punishable under extant laws, it has a duty to act, regardless of political convenience.
The Commission concluded by urging Governor Mohammed to focus on governance in Bauchi State and allow the EFCC to continue its mandate of cleaning the financial space of the nation.
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