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Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has strongly criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the arrest of the state’s Accountant-General, Sirajo Muhammad, calling it a politically motivated move.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, the governor alleged that Muhammad’s detention was part of a broader strategy by the ruling party to suppress opposition voices.
The Accountant-General was taken into custody over allegations of misappropriating N70 billion in state funds.
However, Governor Mohammed dismissed the charges as a politically charged maneuver rather than a genuine anti-corruption effort.
“The timing and approach of this arrest raise serious concerns about the true intent behind it,” the statement read, adding that many Nigerians perceive it as a form of political persecution.
The governor expressed shock over the arrest, pointing out that the case was already under investigation by the Bauchi State Anti-Corruption Agency.
He emphasized that the agency, led by retired Deputy Inspector General Sani Mohammed, had taken substantial steps, including the removal, detention, and interrogation of the former Accountant-General and several permanent secretaries.
Governor Mohammed reiterated that Bauchi State has consistently prioritized transparency and accountability in financial management, with strong ratings in public financial governance.