Former BBC journalist and technocrat, Jamilah Tangaza, has made a striking return to the public eye, years after being reportedly investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial misconduct of N800 million.
Tangaza announced her comeback on social media on Wednesday, sharing insights about her forthcoming book and reflecting on her experiences in public service.
In a post on her Facebook page, Tangaza, who previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) and Senior Special Assistant to the former Federal Capital Territory Minister, Bala Mohammed, said she was returning “by the grace of Allah” and thanked her followers for their patience.
“Many of you have asked: ‘Where have you been all these years?’ or ‘Why were you absent?’” she wrote. “To answer these questions, I wish to share what transpired after I left my role at the BBC, returned to Nigeria, and began writing my book: REFUSAL: POWER • INTEGRITY • THE COST OF CONSCIENCE.”
According to Tangaza, the book chronicles attempts to tarnish her reputation and the challenges she faced during her career, highlighting lessons on leadership, responsibility, and integrity in public life. She noted that the work is in its final editing stage and promised to update her followers upon publication.
She also used the post to urge civility on social media, citing Section 24 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024. “Sending or sharing messages that defame, insult, threaten, or intimidate others via social media, email, SMS, or other communication networks is prohibited. Violations may lead to legal consequences,” she warned.
Revisiting EFCC Probe
Tangaza’s return comes years after reports that she was under EFCC investigation. In 2016, then acting EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, disclosed that Tangaza was being investigated over alleged financial mismanagement of about N800 million during her tenure at AGIS and as Senior Special Assistant.
Magu had stated that EFCC’s efforts to reach her via phone were unsuccessful and that she was on administrative bail. “If she jumps bail, she is committing another offence. Her surety has already been summoned by the EFCC,” he warned at the time.
He further noted that other enforcement agencies, including the Customs, Immigration Service, DSS, and international bodies such as Interpol and the FBI, had been furnished with a list of persons under EFCC scrutiny, emphasizing that those under investigation “would still be within the grasp of the anti-graft agency” regardless of where they go.
Tangaza concluded her message with prayers for unity, guidance, and blessings for Nigeria, urging citizens to respect one another and engage responsibly on social media platforms.
