Photo: Aminu Tambuwal, former Sokoto State Governor
Former Sokoto State governor and serving senator, Waziri Aminu Tambuwal, is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged illegal withdrawal of ₦189.15 billion from state accounts during his tenure.
According to EFCC sources, the withdrawals—spread across six years of his eight-year administration—came from three key accounts: the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) account, the Government House account, and the Secretary to the State Government account.
Tambuwal arrived at EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 11:30 a.m. on Monday, where he was interrogated and reportedly detained overnight. The anti-graft agency alleges the funds were siphoned in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Tambuwal, a former member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, who dumped the party for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and later All Democratic Alliance (ADC) is a key ally for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Tambuwal, as governor of Sokoto State, was instrumental to Atiku’s emergence as PDP Presidential candidate in 2023, after stepping down for him and reportedly funding his failed 6th presidential bid.
An EFCC fact sheet quoted by some reporters allegedly showed that between January 1, 2015, and August 31, 2021, Sokoto State’s FAAC, Government House, and SSG accounts received a total inflow of ₦567.16 billion, out of which ₦189.15 billion was allegedly diverted to government officials, suspected cashiers, private individuals, and companies.
Items flagged for further investigation include payouts to Nagarta Microfinance Bank and Bilya Micro System. Anti-fraud agents say they suspect that the financial institutions were likely created to siphon public funds.
About five other suspects—comprising cashiers and state officials—may testify against Tambuwal or face trial alongside him.
Analysis of the state government’s activities from 1st of January, 2015 to August 31st, 2021 uncovered unusual transactions in the following accounts: Accountant General Sokoto FAAC, Secretary to the State Government, Permanent Secretary, Government House.
“Specifically, the above accounts received a total cumulative inflow of N567,160,024,619.93, out of which N189,155,043,825.09 was withdrawn in favour of government officials, individuals (suspected to be cashiers), companies and other groups/agencies.
“In light of the findings, it is assessed with a high degree of confidence that the named individuals (suspected to be cashiers) and identified government officials are involved in the diversion of public funds, misappropriation of state government funds and money laundering activities.
“The following are suggested: Investigation should commence on other state government accounts to identify other accounts that are prone to unwholesome acts of state officials,” a section of the EFCC document on the matter read.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Tambuwal’s new party after his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accused the EFCC of targeting opposition politicians.
ADC Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the Commission was acting like a “political enforcer” for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), reopening “stale” cases against critics while ignoring corruption allegations involving APC members.
“The EFCC belongs to the Nigerian people, not the APC,” the party stated, warning that selective prosecution erodes public trust and undermines the anti-corruption fight.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale declined to comment on the ongoing probe.
