Former Sokoto governor Aminu Tambuwal secures release after EFCC detained him over ₦189bn allegations.
Atiku Abubakar condemns arrest, alleging Tinubu-led government targets opposition through harassment and political intimidation.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, a day after he was taken into custody over allegations of unlawful cash withdrawals amounting to ₦189 billion.
Tambuwal, who currently represents Sokoto South Senatorial District, regained his freedom on Tuesday after fulfilling the conditions for administrative bail.
The former governor, who was once Speaker of the House of Representatives, went to the EFCC on Monday. He arrived at the agency’s Abuja headquarters around 11:30 a.m. and was questioned in connection with the alleged financial transactions before being held overnight.
According to EFCC insiders, the withdrawals under investigation are believed to have breached provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. “The withdrawals were in flagrant violation of the Act,” one source told our correspondent, adding that the matter remains under investigation.
A senior official, who preferred not to be named, confirmed on Tuesday that Tambuwal had been released. “He has been granted administrative bail. He met the bail conditions and has been released,” the source said.
Attempts to obtain a formal statement from EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, were unsuccessful as calls and messages were not returned.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the detention, alleging it was politically motivated. In a post on X, Atiku claimed the move was part of a broader plan by the current administration to pressure opposition members into joining the ruling party.
“It is a continuation of the Tinubu-led administration’s agenda to harass, intimidate, and decimate the opposition,” Atiku wrote, insisting Tambuwal’s detention was linked to his political affiliation.
