A group known as The Eyes on Democracy has raised an alarm over what it calls an attempt by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to silence the opposition, following the arrest of the Accountant General of Bauchi State, Sirajo Jaja.

The group claimed that the move is politically motivated and part of a broader effort to undermine the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed.

In a press conference held on Monday, in Bauchi, the group strongly condemned the detention of Jaja, who was arrested while attending a Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting in Abuja.

According to Eyes on Democracy, the arrest was orchestrated by political adversaries seeking to stifle the voice of one of the most vocal critics of the federal government.

“Eyes on Democracy believes that it is no coincidence that these arrests and intimidation of Bauchi State Government officials are happening at a time when Governor Bala Mohammed has remained vocal in challenging the excesses of the presidency and standing firm in defense of the interests of the Nigerian people. His bold stance has made him a target for persecution, and the EFCC is being weaponized as an instrument of political oppression rather than a true anti-corruption agency,” the group said.

The spokesperson of the group, Munir Aska, claimed that the arrest was not based on any substantial evidence but a politically motivated witch-hunt designed to intimidate Governor Mohammed and a desperate move to silence a courageous leader who has consistently spoken truth to power.

He raised questions about the legality of the EFCC’s actions, especially, as Jaja was not invited or engaged by the Commission in any official capacity, making his arrest appear suspicious and unjustified.

The group called on the EFCC to operate within the bounds of the law.

They made it clear that no amount of intimidation would deter their commitment to defending democratic values, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria.