EFCC Detains Former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal Over Alleged ₦189 Billion Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, over allegations of large-scale financial misappropriation. According to sources, Tambuwal arrived at the EFCC headquarters around 11:16 am on Monday, August 11, 2025, following an invitation from the commission. He was subsequently taken into custody after allegedly failing to give satisfactory explanations regarding cash withdrawals totaling ₦189 billion during his tenure.

Details of the EFCC Investigation

Contrary to media reports suggesting an “arrest,” an EFCC official clarified that Tambuwal voluntarily honored the invitation. However, when asked to account for the ₦189 billion in question, his explanations were reportedly unsatisfactory, prompting his detention.

According to the official, the withdrawals violated provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The former governor is expected to remain in EFCC custody until he can provide meaningful and verifiable details on the expenditure of the funds.

“Do you know what ₦189 billion can do for Sokoto State or the country at large?” an EFCC insider questioned, emphasizing the magnitude of the alleged financial mismanagement.

For more about Nigeria’s anti-graft laws, visit the EFCC official website.

Political Angle: Is the Probe a Witch Hunt?

Close associates of Tambuwal allege that the EFCC’s investigation is politically motivated. According to a political ally, the matter began four months ago when certain individuals linked to the current administration allegedly approached Tambuwal, urging him to align with President Bola Tinubu’s political agenda. Tambuwal reportedly declined after consulting with his advisers, citing concerns over the high level of poverty and insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region.

The source claimed that after Tambuwal’s refusal, the EFCC initiated inquiries into his tenure as Sokoto governor, possibly linked to World Bank funds received during his administration. These funds, the source insists, were handled transparently and even cleared by the World Bank’s own audits.

Other Political Figures Drawn Into EFCC Net

The EFCC has also reportedly invited former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha, who served as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives during Tambuwal’s speakership. A letter dated July 18, 2025, signed by Abdukarim Chukkol, Director of Investigations at EFCC, indicated that certain Imo State officials must present payment approvals, vouchers, and financial records covering May 29, 2019, to January 14, 2020.

Ihedioha, now a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has returned to Nigeria and is expected to honor the EFCC’s invitation this week.

Tambuwal’s Strong Political Alliances

Although still officially a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tambuwal is closely aligned with the opposition coalition spearheaded by the ADC. This coalition includes political heavyweights such as:

Atiku Abubakar (former Vice President)
Peter Obi (Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential Candidate)
Nasir El-Rufai (former Kaduna State Governor)

In recent months, Tambuwal has appeared alongside Atiku at strategic political gatherings, including a July 2, 2025, event where the coalition adopted the ADC platform to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

This alliance builds on a longstanding political relationship—Tambuwal notably withdrew from the PDP presidential primary in 2022 to endorse Atiku, a move widely credited with securing Atiku’s nomination over Nyesom Wike.

ADC Accuses EFCC of Selective Prosecution

In a strongly worded statement, the African Democratic Congress accused the EFCC of targeting opposition figures while ignoring cases involving ruling party members. The ADC described this as a “dangerous slide into dictatorship”, warning that the EFCC risks becoming a political tool for the APC.

“The EFCC is funded by Nigerian taxpayers, not by the ruling party. It must apply the law equally, without bias or political interference,” said Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary.

The party urged civil society groups, independent media, and ordinary Nigerians to resist the misuse of public institutions for partisan objectives.

Implications for 2027 Elections

Political analysts note that Tambuwal’s detention could reshape Nigeria’s opposition strategy ahead of the 2027 elections. With both Tambuwal and Ihedioha deeply embedded in coalition talks, any disruption to their political activities could weaken the opposition’s ability to challenge the APC.

However, supporters argue that this development could also galvanize public sympathy for the opposition, especially if the EFCC’s actions are widely perceived as politically motivated.

Final Thoughts

The detention of Aminu Tambuwal highlights the ongoing tension between Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies and political opposition leaders. While the EFCC insists it is pursuing legitimate investigations into large-scale financial crimes, opposition voices warn of a dangerous precedent where the fight against corruption becomes a tool for political suppression.

Whether this case will lead to formal charges or fade into political controversy remains to be seen. For now, Nigerians and the international community will be watching closely.

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