The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged Nigerians to refrain from claiming that the recent Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) probe of former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal was politically motivated.

Naijaonpoint recalls that the EFCC had detained Tambuwal in Abuja over an alleged fraudulent withdrawal of cash to the tune of ₦189 billion.

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television, Wike stated that investigations by the EFCC are routine and should not automatically be perceived as a political witch-hunt.

He said, “People should stop claiming that Tambuwal is being witch-hunted because he belongs to the opposition. Many Nigerians have been invited or investigated by the EFCC, and it does not always mean politics is involved.

“In Tambuwal’s case, he was invited by the EFCC, just like many others have been in the past. This does not mean it is political.”

Using his own experience to illustrate his point, Wike recalled that in 2008, shortly after becoming Chief of Staff in Rivers State, the EFCC arrested and charged him to court.

However, the case was eventually withdrawn due to a lack of evidence.

Wike added that although some people suggested the government at the time was behind his arrest, he never publicly accused anyone of targeting him, instead allowing the legal process to clear his name.

He said, “I’m not speaking on behalf of EFCC, but Nigerians should stop this. I was arrested by EFCC in 2008 when I became Chief of Staff in 2007. I was taken to court, and we fought it until they had to withdraw the case.”