The Presidency has thrown its weight behind the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission following the agency’s declaration of Abdullahi Haske, a businessman and son-in-law to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as wanted over alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
Haske, who founded AA & R Investment Group, was declared wanted after he reportedly violated the terms of his administrative bail and failed to honour repeated invitations from the EFCC.
In a public notice signed by EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the commission called on the public to report any information on Haske’s whereabouts to the nearest police station or EFCC office.
The notice also provided details of his last known addresses in Ikoyi and Victoria Island, Lagos, along with contact hotlines and an email address.
Haske’s company, which operates across energy, agribusiness, logistics, and ICT sectors, is reportedly at the centre of an ongoing investigation involving multimillion-dollar transfers linked to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
In response, Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, condemned the EFCC’s move, describing it as politically motivated. He accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of targeting opposition figures under the guise of anti-corruption efforts. “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 said.
However, the Presidency swiftly rejected the allegations, defending the EFCC’s actions as lawful and independent. Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Sunday Dare, stated: “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 stressed the administration’s commitment to the rule of law and due process, adding that unlike previous governments, Tinubu’s presidency does not weaponise state agencies 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.
He further clarified that the EFCC’s actions were guided by legal provisions and credible evidence. “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
