The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released former Sokoto State’s Governor and Senator Aminu Tambuwal, from a 24-hour detention at the Abuja national headquarters of the anti-graft agency.
Tambuwal was invited and held in custody on Monday, August 11, over allegations he illegally made cash withdrawals totalling N189 billion as the Governor of Sokoto State, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022.
He honoured the commission’s invitation at about 11am on Monday.
The serving Senator was immediately taken into custody.
Although the agency made no official statement about investigating or freeing Tambuwal, his release was confirmed by an EFCC operative.
According to sources, Tambuwal was granted an administrative bail.
Tambuwal’s release came after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) claimed that the Federal Government was using the EFCC to discredit and harass opposition leaders.
Bolaji Abdullahi, the interim national publicity secretary of the ADC, made the allegation in a statement on Tuesday, August 12. He alleged that the commission has commenced “a choreographed media trial” against major opposition figures.
Abdullahi alleged that the sudden detention of Aminu Tambuwal, the former Sokoto Governor and the “urgent” request by the EFCC on information about the seven-month tenure of Emeka Ihedioha, the former Governor of Imo State, were politically motivated.
