The recent arrest of former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has triggered sharp reactions from political leaders and civil society voices across Northern Nigeria, with many describing the move as a targeted political operation rather than a genuine anti-corruption effort.
Tambuwal, a two-term governor and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, was detained at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Monday over allegations of unauthorized cash withdrawals amounting to ₦189 billion during his tenure. The EFCC claims he violated provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Allegations of Selective Justice
While the EFCC maintains its investigation is lawful and non-partisan, several northern figures say otherwise.
Mahdi Shehu, a prominent Northern rights activist, told Fast Track News that the EFCC’s arrest of Tambuwal proves that the agency has “dropped all pretenses of neutrality.”
“Why is Tambuwal arrested while others like Godswill Akpabio, Bello Matawalle, and some current ministers are untouched?” Shehu asked. “It’s a case of selective justice. EFCC is shielding politicians loyal to the ruling APC while going after critics and opposition members.”
Shehu cited several unresolved corruption cases—such as the ₦210 trillion reportedly unaccounted for by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the uninvestigated $7 billion allegedly spent on failed refinery maintenance—as examples of the EFCC’s double standards.
He also questioned the agency’s silence over the lavish lifestyle of Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, who recently showed off a multi-billion-naira mansion.
“Before his appointment, he was barely surviving. Now he builds what looks like a second government house. EFCC won’t touch him because he has protection at the top,” Shehu alleged.
Voices from the North: Political Witch-Hunt or Lawful Probe?
Adnan Mukhtar Tudunwada, a former Kano State House of Assembly aspirant, also condemned Tambuwal’s arrest, calling it “purely political” and driven by vendetta.
“This is about silencing criticism. Tambuwal recently spoke against the Tinubu administration. Now he’s in EFCC custody. Too many APC members with serious allegations are walking free.”
Tudunwada added that the anti-corruption agency has lost credibility by consistently turning a blind eye to the ruling party’s excesses while going after opposition leaders.
Meanwhile, not all voices are critical. Rabiu Musa, a public affairs analyst, said focus should remain on the allegations themselves.
“We need to separate politics from the facts. If Tambuwal committed a crime, he should face justice—just like anyone else,” he told Fast Track News.
EFCC Responds
The EFCC has rejected accusations of partisanship, stating it operates under legal mandates and investigates all suspects based on available evidence, regardless of political affiliations.
However, with mounting criticism and growing distrust in its methods, the commission faces increased pressure to prove that its fight against corruption is both fair and consistent.
