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

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reaffirmed its independence and neutrality, dismissing claims by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, that he is being politically targeted by the anti-graft agency.

Governor Mohammed had alleged that the EFCC was harassing him because of his refusal to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He also questioned the arrest of his Finance Commissioner, insisting the official had committed no offence.

Reacting to the accusation, the EFCC firmly denied any political motivation, stressing that partisan considerations play no role in its operations.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Monday, the EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwujaren, said the commission has maintained political neutrality since its inception.

“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.

He added that linking the agency’s actions to politics was misguided and inappropriate.

“Politics has absolutely no place in the work of the EFCC. With all due respect to His Excellency, making such allegations was rather reckless,” he stated.

Uwujaren also took exception to suggestions that the EFCC was acting on the instructions of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing the claim as offensive and unfounded.

Addressing issues surrounding constitutional immunity, Uwujaren clarified that while sitting governors enjoy immunity from prosecution, such protection does not shield them from investigation.

“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.”

He explained further that there is no law barring the EFCC from investigating a sitting governor or referencing such an individual during legal proceedings.

“We are not persecuting Governor Bala Mohammed,” Uwujaren emphasised, adding that the commission acts strictly within the bounds of the law.

He also reiterated that the EFCC does not operate under the influence of political office holders.

“The EFCC does not take instructions from any politician,” he said.

Uwujaren urged political actors to refrain from dragging the anti-corruption agency into partisan disputes, warning that such actions could erode public trust in its mandate.

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