EFCC Detains Former Sokoto Governor Aminu Tambuwal Over Alleged ₦189 Billion Cash Withdrawals.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken former Sokoto State governor and current senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, into custody over allegations of suspicious cash withdrawals totaling ₦189 billion during his tenure.
Tambuwal reportedly honoured an EFCC invitation on Monday, August 11, 2025, arriving at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja at about 11:30 a.m. He was thereafter subjected to hours of interrogation by the anti-graft agency’s investigators.
TJ News Nigeria reports that the alleged withdrawals, according to EFCC sources, are in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The Act criminalises large cash transactions above specified thresholds without proper documentation or legitimate justification.
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EFCC’s Allegations
Investigators allege that the transactions in question were executed in cash between 2015 and 2023 while Tambuwal was the governor of Sokoto State.
- Total amount involved: ₦189 billion
- Nature of transactions: Series of cash withdrawals from state government accounts
- Potential offence: Violation of anti-money laundering laws
- Possible charges: Money laundering and misappropriation of public funds (if evidence supports prosecution)
An EFCC official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to brief the press, stated that the scale of the withdrawals warranted urgent questioning. “We have obtained substantial records showing repeated large-volume cash movements. The former governor has been invited to clarify these transactions,” the official said.
Political Context
The detention comes barely days after Tambuwal publicly aligned himself with a new political coalition spearheaded by the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The coalition brings together several opposition leaders, including former vice president Atiku Abubakar and ex-Anambra governor Peter Obi, with the stated aim of unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
Tambuwal, a former presidential aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has been vocal in his criticism of the Tinubu administration’s handling of Nigeria’s economy, which he describes as “unsustainable and harmful to ordinary citizens.”
While there is no official link between the EFCC action and his recent political activities, the timing of the arrest has triggered discussions among political observers and opposition figures.
EFCC’s Next Steps
According to reports from Channels Television, The Nation, and SaharaReporters, EFCC interrogators are reviewing documents and bank records linked to the alleged transactions. It remains unclear whether Tambuwal will be released on administrative bail or formally detained pending charges.
If the investigation establishes that the withdrawals breached Nigeria’s financial laws, the former governor could face prosecution before the Federal High Court. Convictions under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison terms and asset forfeiture.
Public Reactions
The development has elicited mixed reactions:
- Supporters of the EFCC see the move as part of a broader crackdown on high-profile corruption cases.
- Political allies of Tambuwal have cautioned against what they describe as “selective justice” and called for transparency in the process.
- Civil society groups have urged the commission to ensure the investigation is thorough, impartial, and free from political interference.
Background on Aminu Tambuwal
- Born: January 10, 1966, in Tambuwal, Sokoto State
- Political career: Former Speaker of the House of Representatives (2011–2015), Governor of Sokoto State (2015–2023), Senator (2023–present)
- Party affiliations: Formerly with PDP, now associated with the ADC coalition for 2027 elections
- Reputation: Known for political alliances across party lines and active role in opposition politics
What Happens Next
The EFCC is expected to release an official statement detailing the allegations and progress of the investigation in the coming days. Political analysts warn that the case could have ripple effects on the opposition coalition’s strategy ahead of the next general election.
For now, Tambuwal’s legal team has not issued a formal response, but sources close to the senator indicate he maintains that the transactions were legitimate and carried out in line with public service rules.
