ABUJA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, administrative bail after questioning him over alleged misappropriation of about ₦189 billion during his eight-year tenure.
Tambuwal, who also served as Speaker of the House of Representatives, arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja at exactly 11:16 a.m. on Monday, in response to the agency’s invitation.
A senior EFCC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the former governor was released after meeting the required bail conditions.
“He has already been granted administrative bail. We’ve extracted what we need from him, and he will soon leave our headquarters after perfecting his bail conditions,” the source disclosed.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development late Monday but declined to give further details.
Meanwhile, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reacted to Tambuwal’s arrest, using the occasion to call for a more credible and even-handed anti-corruption drive.
In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, Obi described the development as a reminder of the “existing contradiction” in Nigeria’s fight against graft.
“The fight against corruption in our country must be transparent to succeed. The arrest and interrogation of the former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, by the EFCC, has opened up an existing contradiction in the fight against corruption in the country,” Obi said.
He stressed that sincerity from leaders is the cornerstone of any successful anti-corruption effort, adding that the law must apply equally to all citizens, not just political opponents or perceived enemies of the government in power.
“I expect the anti-graft operatives to be guided by their conscience and the rule of law if they hope to achieve much in wiping out corruption in our society. The rules of evidence and fact must replace impressions and preconceptions,” he stated.
Obi further argued that the public must be convinced that the anti-graft war is impartial, warning that selective prosecutions erode trust and effectiveness.
Tambuwal’s bail comes as the EFCC continues its investigations into the alleged multi-billion naira withdrawals made during his administration in Sokoto State.
Comments