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EFCC Detains Tambuwal Overnight, Invites Ihedioha.
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Associates allege political motivation in the probe.
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Ihedioha also summoned over Imo government transactions
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained former Sokoto State governor and serving senator, Aminu Tambuwal, over alleged fraudulent cash withdrawals totalling ₦189 billion.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Tambuwal, who arrived at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja around 11:16 a.m. on Monday in response to an invitation, was questioned over the alleged transactions before being taken into custody. A commission source told Daily Trust that the withdrawals contravened provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
“He wasn’t arrested as some reports claimed. He was invited to explain what the ₦189bn was used for but could not provide satisfactory answers, so he was kept in custody,” the source said, adding that he may remain there until he offers “meaningful explanations.”
Associates of the former governor, however, allege political motives, claiming the issue arose months after he reportedly declined to support President Bola Tinubu. They linked the EFCC’s interest to World Bank funds disbursed during his tenure, which they insist were properly accounted for.
Another source noted that Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu, who served as Tambuwal’s deputy at one point, was part of major decisions during that administration and should also be mentioned for fairness.
The EFCC has also invited former Imo State governor Emeka Ihedioha for questioning. A letter dated July 18, 2025, and signed by EFCC’s Director of Investigation, Abdukarim Chukkol, requested state officials from Ihedioha’s administration to appear with payment records from May 29, 2019, to January 14, 2020. Ihedioha, who recently returned from abroad, is expected to honour the invitation this week.
