EFCC Steps Up Pressure — Ihedioha Invited As Tambuwal Spends Harrowing Night Behind Bars

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) held former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal in custody overnight over allegations of fraud. Tambuwal responded to an EFCC invitation around 11:16 a.m. on Monday and was later taken into detention.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Sources revealed that Tambuwal was questioned regarding suspicious cash withdrawals amounting to ₦189 billion.

“He wasn’t formally arrested as some media reports suggested. However, when asked to account for the ₦189 billion, he was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation, which led to his detention,” a commission insider told Daily Trust.

“He will remain with us until he can offer a meaningful account of how he utilized the ₦189 billion during his time as governor. Just imagine what ₦189 billion could have done for Sokoto State or the country,” the source added.

The withdrawals reportedly violate the Money Laundering (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022, and Tambuwal is expected to clarify how the funds were spent, according to the official.

Additionally, the EFCC has invited another former governor, Emeka Ihedioha, who is expected to respond to the invitation within the week. Notably, Ihedioha served as deputy speaker of the House of Representatives when Tambuwal was Speaker.

Meanwhile, a close associate of Tambuwal claimed the matter is “entirely political.” The source said Tambuwal’s troubles began about four months ago when some government affiliates urged him to support President Bola Tinubu.

“After consulting with trusted aides, Tambuwal expressed concerns about cooperating with the government given the country’s widespread poverty and insecurity, especially in the North,” the source explained.

The source further disclosed that nothing more was heard until about three weeks ago, when Tambuwal received a letter from the EFCC requesting information about his tenure as governor.

“Tambuwal asked for specific details, but the commission did not provide any. He then suggested they contact the state government if they had concerns. While no specifics were given, we suspect the inquiry relates to World Bank funds disbursed during his administration. These funds were transferred through official bank accounts, and the World Bank had cleared his administration,” the source said.