Group Alleges EFCC Targeting Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed for Criticizing Tinubu

Group Alleges EFCC Targeting Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed for Criticizing Tinubu

A pro-democracy group, Eyes on Democracy, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of conducting a politically motivated “witch-hunt” against Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed following the arrest of the state’s Accountant-General, Sirajo Jaja.

Key Points:

• Jaja was arrested in Abuja last Wednesday while attending the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting.

• He was taken into custody alongside Aliyu Abubakar, an unlicensed Bureau de Change (BDC) operator, and Sunusi Ibrahim Sambo, a Point of Sale (PoS) operator.

• EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest, citing an investigation into money laundering, diversion of public funds, and misappropriation of state resources.

Allegations of Political Persecution

• The chairman of Eyes on Democracy, Munir Aska, dismissed the EFCC’s claims, saying the arrest was a targeted attack on Governor Bala Mohammed for his outspoken criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

• The group described the arrest as a desperate attempt to intimidate and silence opposition voices.

• Aska questioned why the EFCC had not invited or engaged with Jaja prior to the arrest, suggesting political motives behind the move.

Call for Justice

• The group urged civil society organizations, Nigerians, and the international community to resist the alleged misuse of the EFCC for political purposes.

• They demanded that the anti-graft agency follow due process, stating: “We will not allow intimidation and political harassment to prevail.”

This development adds to the growing political tension in Nigeria, with accusations that the EFCC is being used as a tool for political suppression against opposition figures.