The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said it has uncovered plans by some politically exposed persons (PEPs) to flee the country after their tenure on May 29.

The PEPs include governors, ministers, and political appointees under watch.

In a statement issued by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, EFCC asked its international partners to frustrate the escape of the PEPs.

The statement said: “Again, the commission wishes to alert the public about plans by some of the alleged corrupt politically exposed persons to flee the country ahead of May 29.

“The commission is working in close collaboration with its international partners to frustrate these escape plans and bring those involved to justice.”

On the alleged demand of $2m, EFCC said it will “not bandy words with the suspect (Matawalle)”.

The statement added: “The attention of the EFCC has been drawn to a trending interview granted to the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, by Bello Muhammed Matawalle, governor of Zamfara State, where he allegedly made wild bribery allegations against the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa

“Matawalle’s recourse to mudslinging is symptomatic of a drowning man clutching at straws.

“But despite the irritation of his phantom claims, the commission will not be drawn into a mud fight with a suspect under its investigation for corruption and unconscionable pillage of the resources of his state.

“If Matawalle will be taken seriously, he should go beyond saber-rattling by spilling the beans – provide concrete evidence as proof of his allegations.”