EFCC Rejects Bala Mohammed’s Allegations Says Agency Is Politically Neutral

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has firmly rejected claims by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed that the agency is politically targeting him, reaffirming its independence and neutrality.

Governor Mohammed had alleged that the EFCC’s actions, including the arrest of his Finance Commissioner, were motivated by his refusal to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He maintained that the official had committed no offence.

Responding to the accusations, the EFCC stressed that political considerations play no role in its operations. Wilson Uwujaren, the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, told Arise News that the EFCC has maintained neutrality throughout its more than 20-year history.

“In more than two decades of existence, the EFCC has never shown any sign of political bias in the discharge of its responsibilities,” Uwujaren said, describing suggestions otherwise as misguided.

He further clarified that linking the commission’s actions to politics was inappropriate and offensive, specifically rejecting claims that the EFCC acted on instructions from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

On the matter of constitutional immunity, Uwujaren explained that while sitting governors enjoy protection from prosecution, such immunity does not prevent the EFCC or other law enforcement agencies from conducting investigations.

“There is no argument about constitutional immunity,” he said. “Governor Bala Mohammed has immunity, but that immunity does not prevent law enforcement agencies from conducting investigations—even against governors, the president, or the vice president.”

Uwujaren emphasised that the EFCC operates strictly within the law and does not persecute any individual. “We are not persecuting Governor Bala Mohammed,” he stated, adding that the agency does not take instructions from any politician.

He concluded by urging political actors to avoid dragging the EFCC into partisan disputes, warning that such actions could undermine public confidence in the commission’s anti-corruption mandate.

“Politicians should leave the EFCC out of their political battles. We do not want to be part of that space,” Uwujaren said.