…The government also called on the Attorney-General of the Federation to review the EFCC’s actions
BAUCHI, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Bauchi State Government has faulted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing it of politicising state institutions and abusing due process following the arrest and prosecution of some state officials over alleged terrorism financing.
It was reported that the anti-graft agency, on Wednesday, arraigned the Commissioner for Finance, Yakubu Adamu, and three senior civil servants before a Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism financing charges, claims the state government has described as baseless and malicious.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bala Mohammed, Mukhtar Gidado, the government said it was “deeply disturbed” by the EFCC’s actions, which it alleged were aimed at criminalising legitimate public service and tarnishing the governor’s image.
The state maintained that the officials acted in line with constitutional provisions and financial regulations, stressing that their actions amounted to the lawful execution of official responsibilities.
The statement warned that treating routine government functions as criminal offences amounted to undermining governance and threatening public administration nationwide.
Bauchi further criticised what it termed the “late introduction” of terrorism and money laundering allegations, noting that such claims only emerged after courts raised questions about the legality of earlier actions taken by the EFCC.
It added that no terrorist group or activity had been linked to the state, nor had any credible evidence been presented to justify such serious accusations.
According to the government, the timing and manner of the allegations suggested they were designed to intimidate, discredit, and damage reputations rather than serve the cause of justice.
The statement also refuted claims that the Accountant-General was evading arrest, clarifying that he honoured EFCC invitations, was detained for several days, and later released on bail.
Gidado expressed concern that although Governor Bala Mohammed was not listed as a defendant, his name appeared repeatedly in court documents, describing the move as an attempt to subject him to a media trial and undermine his constitutional immunity.
He warned that the repeated mention of the governor’s name was a deliberate effort to politically smear him and erode his public standing.
The government further cautioned that such actions could heighten tension and pose security risks to the governor, government officials, and their families.
While reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the Bauchi State Government insisted that anti-corruption efforts must be fair, evidence-driven, and free from political bias.
It warned that selective prosecution and the politicisation of law enforcement institutions posed a threat to democratic governance.
The government also called on the Attorney-General of the Federation to review the EFCC’s actions, ensure compliance with constitutional safeguards, and remove the governor’s name from the charge sheet in line with immunity provisions.
It urged political actors to refrain from using state institutions as tools of intimidation, stressing that the administration would continue to uphold democratic principles and protect the interests of the people.
The statement concluded that Bauchi State remains peaceful and focused on governance, adding that no form of persecution would erode the confidence enjoyed by the governor across the country.
