The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal for questioning over alleged large-scale cash withdrawals amounting to ₦189 billion.

Sources within the anti-graft agency told Channels Television on Monday that the withdrawals are believed to have been made in clear violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

“The withdrawals were carried out in flagrant breach of the provisions of the Money Laundering Act,” a senior EFCC official, who asked not to be named, told reporters.

According to the source, Tambuwal arrived at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Abuja at about 11:30am and was still undergoing interrogation as of press time.

The EFCC has not yet issued an official statement on the matter, but the allegations are expected to trigger a political and legal storm, given Tambuwal’s long-standing role in Nigerian politics.

Tambuwal, a lawyer and politician, served as Sokoto State governor from 2015 to 2023 after a stint as Speaker of the House of Representatives. His tenure was marked by both infrastructure projects and allegations of fiscal mismanagement — many of which he has previously denied.

If substantiated, the case could rank among Nigeria’s largest alleged public fund diversions in recent years. Under the Money Laundering Act, cash transactions above specified thresholds without proper documentation are criminal offences.

Analysts say the development underscores the EFCC’s renewed focus on high-profile corruption cases, even as critics question the consistency and impartiality of such probes.

Tambuwal’s legal team has yet to comment publicly on his detention.

The Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC), led by Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has approved fresh infrastructure projects, intensified efforts to curb fake news, and thrown political weight behind Chief Emmanuel Nwachukwu in the build-up to the Anambra South Senatorial elections.

At its 17th meeting on 7 August 2025, held at the Light House, Awka, ANSEC awarded the rehabilitation of the Amichi–Osumenyi Road to the Anambra Road Maintenance Agency (ARMA). State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, said the move forms part of the government’s wider regeneration agenda.

Other recent projects include the construction of the Nri–Agbanabo–Nimo Road, the Awka City Park Project, and the Solution Fun Club—planned to enhance the state’s environmental and recreational appeal. ANSEC also awarded the fourth dual carriageway of the Ekwulobia–Nnobi Road, completing the beltway linking Anambra’s four major cities for smoother traffic flow.

Action plan for skills and business growth

The council reviewed the 2024 Business Enabling Reforms Action Plan (BERAP) and approved its progress report. It also gave the green light for the second cohort of the One-Youth-Two-Skills Scheme after the first round trained 11,000 youths, with 7,163 excelling in 65 skill areas.

Mefor noted that 235 apprentices from the 21 local governments succeeded in the Local Enterprise Development initiative, and more than 1,000 graduates of the scheme have become millionaires.

Fighting misinformation ahead of elections

ANSEC also issued a strong warning against misinformation and disinformation, especially ahead of the state’s elections. “We urge citizens to rely on credible sources for information and verify facts before sharing,” Mefor said.

Governor Soludo’s administration has embedded these efforts into a broader security strategy under the Homeland Security Law, which created the Agunaechemba state security network and Operation Udo Ga-Ach to support police and other agencies in tackling crime.

The law mandates strict oversight of landlords, hospitality operators, and property owners to prevent criminal use of premises, and enforces penalties against kidnapping, banditry, and illicit drug trade.

Soludo’s security measures have led to arrests of kidnappers, demolition of criminal hideouts, and raids in Ozubulu, Isiagu, Oba, and Nnewi. The once-troubled eight local government areas—Aguata, Ihiala, Ekwusigo, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Orumba North, Orumba South, and Ogbaru—have reportedly been freed from armed siege.

Mobilisation for Chief Emmanuel Nwachukwu

In a parallel development, Soludo and Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim joined other political leaders in rallies at the Nnewi Triangle and Aguata Local Government Headquarters to drum up support for Chief Emmanuel Nwachukwu’s senatorial campaign.

“Chief Emmanuel Nwachukwu embodies the qualities we need in leadership,” Soludo said. “Nnewi South and Ihiala have not produced a Senator in the region before… It is time to support Nnewi South. Show me support by voting massively for Chief Nwachukwu. APGA has come back as one united family to reclaim our place.”

The governor reaffirmed that Anambra “is APGA land” and vowed that the party would deliver a transparent, open, and credible election.

Speakers echoing his message included Commissioner for Industry Christian Udechukwu, Nnewi North Mayor Echezona Azodo, State House member Ikedi Orji, APGA State Chairman Barr. Ifeatu Obiokoye, and other community figures.

Visibly moved, Chief Nwachukwu thanked the crowd for their backing and promised to prioritise the people’s needs if elected. The rallies also observed a minute’s silence for the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has extended heartfelt congratulations to two of his predecessors, Chief Willie Obiano and Senator Chris Ngige, as they mark their birthdays.

In separate goodwill messages issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Governor Soludo described the former governors as leaders who made enduring contributions to the progress of Anambra State and Nigeria.

Chief Willie Obiano, who served as Anambra’s governor from March 17, 2014, to March 17, 2022, turned 70 today. Soludo praised him as “a worthy predecessor who made a significant impact on the socio-economic progression of our dear state and the people of Anambra State.”

The governor added, “On this occasion, I warmly celebrate Chief Willie Obiano on attaining this significant milestone of 70 years, and also wish him continued good health, happiness, and many more years of celebration and service to humanity.”

In a separate statement, Soludo also congratulated Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige, CON, who served as governor from May 2003 to March 2006, and later as a federal minister. Senator Ngige’s tenure was marked by various development programmes that, according to Soludo, “benefited the people of Anambra State.”

The governor remarked, “Senator Ngige, a medical doctor turned politician, is a leader who rendered good services to Anambra State and Nigeria through his various roles in public service. I warmly congratulate him on this special occasion of his birthday and pray that he enjoys many more years of life in robust health and in continuous service to humanity.”

Both Obiano and Ngige have played prominent roles in Anambra’s political and development landscape, with legacies that span healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare.

The double celebration underscores Governor Soludo’s recognition of the contributions of past leaders in shaping the present and future of the state.