Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has sparked a national controversy by asserting that his constitutional immunity protects him from being questioned, even over grave allegations like terrorism financing. The governor made this bold statement during a televised interview, directly linking the ongoing prosecution of his finance commissioner by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to a political witch-hunt.
Allegations of Political Persecution and a Stunning Claim
In an interview with Channels TV, Governor Bala Mohammed alleged that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, along with other unnamed figures within the federal government, are orchestrating a campaign of intimidation against him. He claimed the motive is to pressure him into defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor went further, stating that Minister Wike had threatened to "put fire" in Bauchi State and was influencing judicial processes involving the EFCC and security agencies. The crux of the governor's defense, however, was his interpretation of constitutional immunity. "Even if I am a terrorist, I shouldn't be questioned now because I have immunity," Governor Bala declared during the interview, a clip of which has since gone viral.
The EFCC Case Against Bauchi's Finance Commissioner
The governor's remarks are tied to the high-profile prosecution of Yakubu Adamu, the Commissioner for Finance in Bauchi State. Adamu, alongside other senior state officials, was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
The EFCC's charges are severe, encompassing conspiracy, conversion of public funds, and terrorism financing. The anti-graft agency alleges that a total of $9.7 million is involved in the case. While Governor Bala Mohammed is implicated in the matter, his constitutional immunity as a sitting governor prevents his direct prosecution.
Nigerians React: Calls for Immunity Reform and Accountability
The governor's "terrorist" remark has ignited a firestorm of reactions across Nigeria, with many citizens and commentators expressing outrage and concern.
Omo Ogun called for a constitutional amendment, stating: "It's high time that governors and deputy governors are stripped of their immunity. That right should only be reserved for the President and Vice President... This way, they can be held accountable for their actions while in office."
Oladele expressed shock at the brazen nature of the statement: "Imagine saying all this on live TV, with nothing anyone can do about it?"
Another user, A.A. Alhaji, hinted at future accountability, writing: "When he leaves, and efcc carry am, we go dey talk say na witch-hunts."
Gboyega Agunlejika emphasized the need for responsible leadership: "This mentality is dangerous. Govs should have a responsible perception of the immunity matter. The goal is to prevent distractions and not accountability or make them unquestionable."
The incident has thrust the debate on the scope and abuse of executive immunity back into the national spotlight, raising critical questions about accountability, the rule of law, and the intersection of politics with anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria.
