EFCC Case: Bauchi Government Alleges Political Intimidation, Defends Governor

By Mubarak Aliyu Kobi

The Bauchi State Government has strongly condemned what it described as the political misuse of anti-corruption institutions, following the arrest and prosecution of the State Commissioner for Finance and senior civil servants by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

In a press release issued from the Special Adviser on Media to Bauchi Governor Muktar Gidado, the state government accused the EFCC of abusing due process and attempting to drag Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed into a criminal narrative through repeated and what it called “mischievous” references to his name on the charge sheet, despite his constitutional immunity.

The government insisted that the affected officials only carried out their lawful duties in line with approved financial regulations, warning that criminalising routine governance functions amounts to criminalising government itself and threatens public administration nationwide.

Raising political concerns, the Bauchi State Government questioned the timing of terrorism financing and money laundering allegations, noting that such claims were not part of the initial arrest and only surfaced after judicial scrutiny raised questions about due process.

It argued that no terrorist group, act or credible evidence has been linked to the accusations, describing them as an afterthought aimed at intimidation and reputational damage.

The government also dismissed claims that the State Accountant-General was at large, stating that he honoured EFCC invitations, was detained, and later released on bail after meeting all conditions.

Officials said portraying him as a fugitive was misleading and capable of undermining public confidence in the justice system.

While stressing that Governor Bala Mohammed is not an accused person in the matter, the government said the repeated mention of his name amounts to a trial in the court of public opinion and a violation of his constitutional immunity. It described the inclusion of terrorism financing allegations as a calculated attempt to politically tarnish the governor’s image.

The statement highlighted Governor Bala Mohammed’s public service record, noting his rise through the civil service, service as a Senator, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and two-term elected Governor, insisting he has never abused immunity nor been convicted of any offence.

Warning against escalating political tension, the Bauchi State Government called on federal authorities, especially the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, to urgently review the EFCC’s conduct and ensure adherence to constitutional safeguards and prosecutorial ethics.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability but cautioned that selective justice and politicisation of law-enforcement institutions weaken democracy rather than strengthen it.

It assured the people of Bauchi State that the government remains peaceful, united and focused on governance, vowing to defend constitutional democracy and resist any attempt to undermine the will and dignity of the people.