Tambuwal Speaks Out: What I Told EFCC During My Arrest

Former Sokoto State Governor and serving Senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has declared that neither the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) nor any political force can intimidate him.

Addressing supporters in Sokoto after what he called a “brief visit” to EFCC custody, Tambuwal said he honoured the commission’s invitation on August 6, was questioned, and released—only to be asked to return on August 10 and 11.

According to him, during the follow-up visit, EFCC operatives subjected him to lengthy questioning and insisted on stringent bail conditions. He claimed to have told them:

“Inform the EFCC chairman that I am a former Speaker of the House of Representatives with an unblemished record, a two-term governor, a serving senator, and a Commander of the Order of the Niger. I deserve to go on self-recognition.”

Despite appeals from his legal team—comprising three Senior Advocates of Nigeria—the EFCC refused to relax the bail terms, forcing him to spend the night in detention. He was released the next morning after meeting the conditions.

Tambuwal questioned the timing of the EFCC’s actions, alleging political motives and accusing the Sokoto State government of setting up a “kangaroo commission of inquiry” to smear his tenure. He linked the episode to his criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying:

“In Nigeria today, there are two lines—those with Bola Tinubu and his government, and those with the people of Nigeria. We chose to stand with the people.”

He further accused the ruling APC of practising selective justice: “Once you join the APC, whatever your sins, they are forgiven.”

Tambuwal vowed to remain committed to the coalition for national rescue, insisting: “I cannot be intimidated, blackmailed, or have my record tarnished.”