The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has come under fresh criticism over allegations that it labeled Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, as a terrorist through what critics describe as a media-driven probe.
The accusation was raised by Prof. Udenta Udenta, a former National Secretary of the defunct Alliance for Democracy, who claimed that the anti-graft agency hurriedly put together terror financing allegations against the governor.
He said the move appeared calculated to damage the governor’s public image rather than follow due process.
Speaking on Tuesday during an appearance on ARISE TV NEWS, Udenta faulted what he described as a pattern of public trial and reputational assault.
He warned that such actions, when directed at a sitting governor, could undermine governance and distract from the day-to-day administration of a state.
He stated:
“No one is above the law; no governor or president is exempt from investigation. Prosecution can occur even after an individual has left office. However, openly investigating a sitting governor can distract from the state’s governance. The EFCC’s pursuit of Bala Mohammed through the media, and the corrupt criminalisation of his image and reputation, is reprehensible.”
Udenta stressed that while accountability is essential in a democracy, investigations must be handled with restraint and professionalism.
He argued that security-related allegations, especially those linked to terrorism, carry serious weight and should not be floated casually or through media narratives.
He also questioned the timing and speed with which the allegations surfaced, suggesting that the charges appeared to have been “manufactured overnight” without transparency.
According to him, this approach risks eroding public trust in anti-corruption institutions.
The EFCC has not publicly responded to the claims as of the time of filing this report.