Former Sokoto State governor and serving senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has accused the Bola Tinubu-led government of orchestrating a politically motivated campaign against him, days after he was interrogated and held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged ₦189 billion fraud.
The EFCC had on Monday detained Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, after summoning him to its Abuja headquarters for questioning. Investigators allege that during his eight-year tenure as governor, Tambuwal breached the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 through massive cash withdrawals.
Tambuwal confirmed that he honoured the EFCC’s invitation on August 6 and returned on August 11 for further questioning. But what he expected to be a routine interrogation turned into an overnight detention.
“I went there on my own volition. I was interrogated and allowed to return home. On the next visit, I was told to bring sureties for bail,” he said during a reception held in his honour on Thursday.
According to Tambuwal, he requested to be granted bail on personal recognisance, citing his public service record — four years as Speaker, eight years as governor, and now a senator, as well as being a Commander of the Federal Republic.
“I told them I deserve respect. But the chairman of the EFCC declined. They insisted I must bring two federal directors with letters of introduction,” he said.
He said appeals from his legal team, including a senior advocate, were rejected. He was instead taken to cell A23, where he spent the night.
Tambuwal eventually met the bail requirements, but questioned the timing of his arrest.
“Why now? Why at this moment?” he asked, linking the EFCC’s actions to what he described as a failed “kangaroo commission of inquiry” earlier set up by the Sokoto State government.
The senator, now a leading figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) opposition coalition, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of shielding its members from prosecution while targeting critics.
“Once you join APC, all your sins are forgiven. Is that what we should do to be safe?” he asked.
Tambuwal declared his allegiance to what he called the “people’s side” in Nigeria’s political divide.
“There are two sides in Nigeria today — those in government and those with the people. We chose the people,” he said.
The former governor vowed to defend his record, insisting his service since 2006 — from minority leader to Speaker, and then governor — has been diligent and untainted.
“I will take on anyone trying to smear my name. I will not be blackmailed or intimidated,” he stated, accusing the APC government of being “anti-people” and lacking empathy.
“They want to appear invincible. But Nigerians are not fools,” he added.
The EFCC has yet to respond to Tambuwal’s claims of political persecution.
