The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted bail to former Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, over alleged N189 billion fraud.
Tambuwal was detained on Monday after responding to an EFCC invitation concerning “suspicious” withdrawal of N189 billion from various Sokoto State government accounts during his six-year tenure.
He was released on Tuesday after securing administrative bail.
According to EFCC sources, the cumulative amount withdrawn—totaling N189,155,043,825.09—was taken between January 1, 2015, and August 31, 2021.
The funds were allegedly transferred from three key accounts: the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) account, the Government House account, and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) account.
Financial profiling conducted by the EFCC revealed that out of the total inflow of N567,160,024,619.93 into these accounts during the period under review, about N189 billion was allegedly diverted to government officials, presumed cashiers, private individuals, companies, and other entities.
The EFCC has reportedly recommended that investigations be extended to other state government accounts and individuals, including identified government officials and suspected cashiers, as well as FAAC account payouts to microfinance institutions such as Nagarta Microfinance Bank and Bilya Micro System.