The Presidency has thrown its full support behind the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission following the anti-graft agency’s decision to declare Abdullahi Haske, a businessman and son-in-law to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, wanted for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
Haske, who founded AA & R Investment Group, was placed on the EFCC’s wanted list after allegedly violating the conditions of his administrative bail and repeatedly failing to respond to the commission’s invitations for questioning.
An EFCC insider revealed to Punch that the businessman had been under investigation for several months over corruption allegations before disappearing after securing bail. The source explained that Haske was expected to report regularly to the commission as investigations progressed but had gone into hiding instead.
“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,” the source stated, adding that the wanted declaration became necessary due to his refusal to appear for questioning.
The development has prompted allegations of political persecution from Atiku’s camp, with the former Vice President’s media aide, Paul Ibe, suggesting the investigation might be an attempt by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to target 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 Punch.
However, the Presidency has firmly rejected these allegations, with Special Adviser on Media and Communication Sunday Dare dismissing the claims as unfounded and emphasizing that the EFCC is operating within its legal 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 declared, defending the commission’s actions.
The presidential spokesman contrasted the current administration’s approach with what he described as past governments that allegedly weaponized state institutions for political purposes. He emphasized President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law and ensuring due process in all investigations.
“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,” Dare stated.
The Presidency further emphasized that the EFCC is carrying out its statutory responsibilities as required by law, with Dare noting that President Tinubu does not abuse the powers of his office, unlike previous administrations.
“This administration is committed to strengthening the rule of law, ensuring due process, and expediting investigations and prosecutions backed by credible evidence,” the presidential spokesman concluded.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between the current administration and opposition figures, with both sides offering contrasting narratives about the motivations behind high-profile corruption investigations involving political connections.
