The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has firmly rejected accusations that it is being used as a political tool against opposition figures. In a strong statement issued on Monday, December 15, 2025, the agency defended its operations as strictly lawful and non-partisan.
EFCC Defends Mandate, Cites Arrests Across Party Lines
The anti-graft body described recent allegations of its "weaponisation," "erosion of independence," and "persecution of opposition politicians" as a deliberate distortion of its constitutional role. The commission stressed that its sole guide is the EFCC Establishment Act, which empowers it to investigate and prosecute all suspects in economic and financial crimes, regardless of political affiliation. The only exemption, it noted, are office holders with constitutional immunity while in power.
To counter claims of bias, the EFCC pointed to its record over the past two years. It stated that under its current leadership, prominent members from both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties, including former governors and ministers, have faced investigation and prosecution where evidence warranted.
"The EFCC is faithful only to its mandate, which is to tackle corruption, not to pursue any imaginary adversary or political objective," the commission declared. It dismissed the notion of a coordinated effort to weaken the opposition for the APC's benefit as baseless.
Corruption Has No Political Party, Agency Warns
The EFCC questioned the logic behind cries of persecution, arguing that holding suspects accountable for embezzlement, money laundering, contract fraud, and other financial crimes cannot be seen as victimisation. "Corruption has no gender, religion, tribe or political party," the statement read, adding that selective outrage is not a valid defence.
The agency issued a stern warning, stating that attempts to intimidate or blackmail it into dropping cases pose a greater danger to democracy than its lawful duties. It also rejected calls to amend its enabling Act to protect politicians who switch to the opposition, labelling such moves unconstitutional and against the national interest.
The statement, signed by EFCC Head of Media and Publicity Dele Oyewale, reaffirmed the commission's resolve to resist pressure and called for public support for its anti-corruption mandate.
Malami Fires Back, Alleges Witch-Hunt and Demands Recusal
In a sharp rebuttal, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has demanded the immediate recusal of the EFCC Chairman from any case involving him. In a press release issued the same Monday by his media aide, Mohammed Bello Doka, Malami labelled his ongoing detention and investigation a "politically motivated witch-hunt." He linked the EFCC's actions to his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Malami alleged the probe is driven by "deep-seated historical animosity" stemming from his tenure as AGF. He recalled that the Federal Government then constituted the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate corruption within the EFCC, a panel where the current EFCC Chairman served as Secretary.
Malami claimed the Salami Report contains adverse findings and recommendations for prosecution against the incumbent EFCC Chairman, particularly in Chapter 9. He argued his current ordeal is retaliatory, marked by illegal detention and procedural abuses. "The circumstances show clearly that I have been pre-judged," Malami stated, demanding the case be transferred to another agency.
He called on the current Attorney-General to intervene and further demanded immediate judicial oversight. Malami insisted he must be charged in court or released within 24 hours, citing constitutional provisions. He also raised alarms that the EFCC was attempting to use convicted individuals abroad as witnesses, a move he called "desperate and scandalous."
Malami's legal team has formally requested Certified True Copies of the petitions prompting the investigation to prepare his defence. He stressed he seeks no political settlement, only a transparent chance to clear his name in court. "Nigeria must not degenerate into a republic where anti-corruption agencies are weaponised for political intimidation," his statement concluded.
