The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has freed former Sokoto State Governor and current Senator Aminu Tambuwal following a one-night detention linked to an alleged N189bn fraud probe.
It was gathered that Tambuwal, who visited the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Monday, August 11, 2025, at around 11:30 a.m., faced interrogation over suspicious cash withdrawals during his governorship from 2015 to 2023.
The N189bn fraud probe was said to be centred on accusations of unauthorized withdrawals, allegedly violating the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
EFCC investigators reportedly scrutinized transactions suspected to have been funneled to private individuals and political associates during Tambuwal’s tenure.
Meanwhile, reports emerging on Tuesday revealed that EFCC has freed Tambuwal after questioning on the allegations.
While the EFCC is yet to give information on the development, reactions have intensified, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemning the detention as an attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to intimidate opposition figures.
In a post on X, Atiku claimed the EFCC is being weaponized to coerce defections to the APC, citing cases where allegations against ruling party allies seemingly vanish.
“The only reason the @officialEFCC has detained the former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, @AWTambuwal, is because he is a member of the opposition coalition,” Atiku wrote.
“It is a continuation of the Tinubu-led administration’s agenda to harass, intimidate, and decimate the opposition.”
Also, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) echoed this, labeling the N189bn fraud probe as part of selective investigations targeting opposition coalition members. The ADC warned that such actions erode public trust in the EFCC and undermine the fight against corruption.
