JUST IN: EFCC releases former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released Senator Aminu Tambuwal, former Sokoto State governor and ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, after detaining him for about 24 hours over allegations of fraudulent cash withdrawals totaling N189 billion.

Tambuwal, who currently represents Sokoto South in the Senate, was arrested at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Monday morning for questioning related to suspected violations of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, allegedly during his time as governor.

A source confirmed his release on Tuesday, although the EFCC has yet to make an official public statement.

The detention sparked political controversy, with former Vice President and opposition leader Atiku Abubakar condemning it as an intimidation tactic by President Bola Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 elections.

Atiku accused the EFCC of being weaponized to pressure opposition politicians to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tambuwal, a key figure in the opposition coalition, had previously switched from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before the 2019 elections. He was elected senator in 2023.

The case continues to draw significant attention, with calls for transparency and a non-partisan approach to anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria.