Tambuwal: EFCC detention was political plot, I won’t be silenced

Former Sokoto State Governor and serving Senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has declared that neither the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) nor political forces can intimidate him into silence.

Tambuwal, who was released on bail after spending about 24 hours in EFCC custody over an alleged ₦189 billion fraud, returned to a rousing reception from supporters in Sokoto on Friday. Addressing the crowd at his residence, he insisted that his ordeal was part of a wider political plot to tarnish his image and suppress dissent.

“I cannot be intimidated. I cannot be blackmailed. No one can tarnish my record,” he said, vowing to continue championing “equitable and democratic governance” in Nigeria.

The lawmaker explained that he honoured the EFCC’s invitation on August 6, underwent questioning, and was asked to return on August 10 and 11. However, he was detained overnight after officials rejected his request for release on self-recognition, insisting instead on two Federal Civil Service directors as sureties.

Despite interventions by his legal team, including three Senior Advocates of Nigeria, the bail conditions were not relaxed until the following day when he met the terms.

Tambuwal questioned the timing of his interrogation, linking it to what he described as a politically motivated commission of inquiry set up by the Sokoto State government to investigate his administration.

“In Nigeria today, there are two lines: those with Bola Tinubu and his government, and those with the people of Nigeria. We chose to stand with the people,” he declared.

The senator also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of shielding its members from accountability, saying, “Once you join the APC, whatever your sins, they are forgiven.”

Dismissing speculations of a political realignment ahead of 2027, Tambuwal reaffirmed his loyalty to the opposition coalition, stressing his commitment to “a national rescue mission.”