The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Aminu Tambuwal, former Sokoto State governor over alleged illegal cash withdrawals totaling N189 billion, in what could become one of the country’s largest subnational financial probes in recent years.
Tambuwal, who governed Sokoto from 2015 to 2023 and previously served as Speaker of the House of Representatives, arrived at the Abuja headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) around 11:30 a.m. on Monday for questioning, according to a senior official familiar with the matter.
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The EFCC alleges that the withdrawals, made during his eight-year tenure, contravene provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Investigators are reportedly scrutinizing a pattern of suspicious transactions, which they believe were unauthorized and potentially diverted from public funds.
“The withdrawals are in clear violation of the Money Laundering Act,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. “The investigation has been ongoing for months.”
The EFCC has not yet issued a formal statement, and its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, declined to comment while the interrogation remains underway.
Tambuwal, a prominent figure in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has not publicly responded to the allegations. His political career spans legislative and executive roles at the federal and state levels, and he remains an influential voice in national politics.
The investigation comes as President Bola Tinubu’s administration faces growing pressure to rein in corruption and improve transparency in public finance.
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No charges have been filed yet, and further details are expected as the EFCC’s inquiry progresses.
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