₦189 billion fraud: Fresh trouble hits coalition as EFCC detains Tambuwal

Recent developments have surfaced regarding the ongoing investigation involving two opposition figures: former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal and former Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha.

According to an article by POLITICS NIGERIA, both leaders have been summoned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Tambuwal, who is a close associate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a notable member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)-led coalition, was detained on Monday after complying with the EFCC’s invitation to its Abuja headquarters at approximately 11:16 a.m.

He is reportedly being questioned about alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals totaling ₦189 billion during his tenure as governor from 2015 to 2023.

An EFCC source indicated that these withdrawals are believed to be in “flagrant violation” of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The source clarified, “He was not arrested as was reported in some media. He was invited to provide an account for the ₦189 billion, which he was unable to do satisfactorily. He will remain in our custody until he can offer plausible explanations.” The official further emphasized, “Consider the impact that ₦189 billion could have had on Sokoto State or the nation as a whole.”

The commission has also extended an invitation to Ihedioha, who previously served as deputy speaker of the House of Representatives during Mr. Tambuwal’s tenure as speaker.

In a letter dated July 18, signed by EFCC Director of Investigation Abdukarim Chukkol, the Secretary to the State Government of Imo has been instructed to release certain officials for an interview scheduled for August 11, 2025. These officials are required to bring payment approvals, vouchers, and payment schedules covering the period from May 29, 2019, to January 14, 2020, during Mr. Ihedioha’s administration.

Associates of Mr. Tambuwal have asserted that the investigation is politically motivated. One aide suggested that the inquiry began four months ago when individuals associated with the government encouraged Mr. Tambuwal to join President Bola Tinubu’s political agenda.

“We questioned how we could, in good conscience, collaborate with the government given the prevailing poverty and insecurity in the country, particularly in the North,” the source remarked.

The aide further noted that the investigation resurfaced approximately three weeks ago when Mr. Tambuwal received a letter from the EFCC requesting specific details regarding his tenure as governor. “They did not provide explicit details. We suspect this matter may pertain to World Bank funds allocated during his administration, which were disbursed through bank accounts. He previously received a clean bill of health from the World Bank,” the aide added.

Another source pointed out that Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Sokoto, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and once Tambuwal’s deputy, was involved in many of the decisions currently under scrutiny. “For the sake of fairness, the EFCC should also mention his name, even though he possesses immunity,” the source stated, noting that other former Sokoto officials have also been summoned.

In a parallel situation, sources indicate that Ihedioha was approached months ago to join the Tinubu coalition prior to receiving his own EFCC summons. Recently returned from abroad, he is anticipated to respond to the invitation this week.

Tambuwal is affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and plays a significant role within the ADC-led coalition, which includes prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, among others.