EFCC Releases Ex-Sokoto Governor, Tambuwal, After Grilling Over Alleged ₦189bn Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, hours after he was interrogated in Abuja over an alleged ₦189 billion fraud.

Tambuwal, who now represents Sokoto South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, had been invited by the EFCC for questioning regarding alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as governor.

Tambuwal was seen in photographs circulated on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday evening, prompting reactions from his supporters. One of the users, Emma Umeh, posted, “Sen Tambuwal is back home. Thank you Nigerians for standing against the oppression of the APC.”

It was reported earlier that the EFCC invited Tambuwal to its headquarters on Monday at around 11:16 am, where he was subsequently taken into custody for questioning.

The former governor, who served two terms as Sokoto State’s governor and was also the Speaker of the House of Representatives, was asked to explain his involvement in an alleged illegal withdrawal of ₦189 billion during his time in office.

A source within the commission clarified that Tambuwal was not arrested, as some media outlets had reported. “He wasn’t arrested as it was reported in some sections of the media.

Though, when he was invited to explain what he used ₦189 billion for, he couldn’t explain. So, he was taken into custody,” the source told Daily Trust.

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The source further explained that the commission had questioned Tambuwal on the use of the ₦189 billion and noted that the amount could have had a significant impact on both Sokoto State and the country.

“Do you know what ₦189bn can do for his state (Sokoto) or the country?” the source asked.

The EFCC source stressed that the withdrawals in question were in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention & Prohibition) Act of 2022, and Tambuwal would need to provide a thorough explanation on how the funds were utilized.

“The withdrawals are in flagrant violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention & Prohibition) Act, 2022. He will have to explain how the money was spent,” the official added.

Despite the serious allegations, Tambuwal’s supporters expressed their backing for him on social media, with some criticizing the investigation as politically motivated.

The EFCC has yet to confirm the next steps in the investigation as Tambuwal continues to face scrutiny over his time as governor.