Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal returned to Sokoto on Thursday, defiant after spending a night in EFCC custody.
The former Sokoto State governor and current Senator for Sokoto South faced interrogation over allegations that he misappropriated ₦189 billion during his time as governor.
Speaking to a crowd of supporters at his residence, Tambuwal dismissed the investigation as “intimidation and blackmail.”
He declared, “I cannot be intimidated or blackmailed. I believe I shall be vindicated, and victory shall be ours.”
The EFCC has confirmed it’s investigating the senator for alleged financial misconduct while he served as governor.
Tambuwal was eventually released on administrative bail after his overnight detention.
According to Tambuwal, he honored the EFCC’s invitation on August 6 expecting routine questioning.
Instead, he says he was denied release on personal recognition despite his distinguished record as a former House of Representatives Speaker, two-term governor, and sitting senator.
“They insisted I must present two top civil servants as sureties. My request was turned down. Despite being accompanied by three Senior Advocates of Nigeria, I was remanded in Cell N23,” he told his supporters.
The opposition African Democratic Congress has jumped to Tambuwal’s defense, calling the probe politically motivated and designed to weaken opposition figures ahead of the 2027 elections.
Tambuwal also hit back at the Sokoto State government, accusing it of establishing what he called a “Kangaroo investigative committee” against him.
He maintains that no legitimate authority has found him guilty of any wrongdoing.
The senator pledged to continue his advocacy for what he termed “equitable and democratic governance” in Sokoto State, suggesting this controversy won’t silence his political activities.
