EFCC Grants Ex-Sokoto Governor, Tambuwal, Bail Amid ₦189bn Fraud Allegation

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted administrative bail to former Sokoto State Governor and current Senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, following his detention over allegations of financial misconduct. The release came on Tuesday after a day of interrogation regarding alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals totaling about ₦189 billion during his tenure as governor.

Senator Tambuwal, who also previously served as Speaker of the House of Representatives, honored an EFCC invitation on Monday, August 11, 2025, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja. He was subsequently detained overnight for questioning on the alleged financial improprieties.

According to anonymous sources within the EFCC, the investigations center on a series of “unusual transactions” and cash withdrawals that are believed to be in “flagrant violation” of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The commission is investigating how the funds were spent during his eight-year term as governor.

A source confirmed that Tambuwal was released on Tuesday after fulfilling the conditions for his administrative bail. While the specific bail conditions were not made public, it was confirmed that his passport has been seized and remains in the custody of the EFCC as the investigation continues.

The EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development but refrained from providing further details on the ongoing investigation. The arrest and subsequent release of the former governor have drawn strong reactions from the political sphere, with some opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alleging that the action is a political witch-hunt orchestrated to intimidate members of the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general election. The EFCC, however, has denied these claims, stating that its anti-corruption efforts are non-partisan and guided solely by the law.