Presidency Backs EFCC Over Declaration of Atiku’s Son-in-Law, Abdullahi Haske, Wanted
The Presidency has thrown its weight behind the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after the anti-graft agency declared Abdullahi Haske, businessman and son-in-law of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, wanted for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
Haske, founder of AA & R Investment Group, was placed on the EFCC’s wanted list following allegations that he breached the terms of his administrative bail and repeatedly failed to honour invitations from the commission.
According to an EFCC insider who spoke to Punch, the businessman had been under investigation for several months over corruption allegations but went into hiding after securing bail.
“His case with the EFCC has been ongoing for some time, and he was duly invited. He is facing corruption allegations but failed to comply with the conditions of his administrative bail. He was expected to report regularly to the commission as investigations progressed, but since securing bail, he has gone into hiding.
“He would not have been declared wanted if he had remained in the country and honoured our invitations. His refusal to appear is the reason the EFCC had to declare him wanted,” the source said.
Reacting to the development, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, described the move as political persecution, suggesting it could be part of a broader attempt by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to intimidate opposition figures.
“Our concern is that we hope the young man is not being victimised on account of being an in-law to the former Vice President. Tinubu has shown the capacity to use the instrument of the state to harass and intimidate opposition,” Ibe told the publication.
However, the Presidency dismissed such claims as baseless.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Sunday Dare, the Presidency stressed that the EFCC was acting strictly within its mandate.
“There is no harassment or victimisation here, only the independent and lawful operation of Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions. No one is above the law,” Dare said.
He added that the Tinubu administration was committed to strengthening the rule of law and ensuring due process, in contrast to past governments that allegedly weaponised state institutions for political purposes.
“Those attempting to politicise the arrest of a son-in-law to a former Vice President are simply grasping at straws. No one is above the law, and without strong institutions that act without fear or favour, no country can truly progress,” he said.
Dare further emphasised that the EFCC was carrying out its statutory duties independently.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is carrying out its statutory duties, as expected of every agency under the law. President Bola Tinubu does not abuse the powers of his office, unlike those who once weaponised state institutions for political witch-hunts. This administration is committed to strengthening the rule of law, ensuring due process, and expediting investigations and prosecutions backed by credible evidence,” he added.
Source: www.naijanews.com
