In a recent development, the Nigerian Presidency has voiced its support for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following the agency’s declaration that Abdullahi Haske, son-in-law of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, is wanted. Haske, the founder of AA & R Investment Group, is under scrutiny for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
The EFCC’s action comes after Haske reportedly violated the terms of his administrative bail and failed to respond to repeated invitations from the commission. The agency has urged the public to report any information regarding Haske’s whereabouts, providing contact details for its offices and designated hotlines.
AA & R Investment Group, with interests in energy, agribusiness, logistics, and ICT, is reportedly linked to ongoing investigations into alleged multimillion-dollar transfers from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, has criticized the EFCC’s move, labeling it as political persecution and an attempt by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to intimidate opposition figures.
In response, the Presidency, through Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Sunday Dare, has refuted these claims, asserting that the EFCC is acting independently and within its legal mandate.
Dare emphasized the Tinubu administration’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law and ensuring due process. He contrasted this approach with past administrations, which he alleged had misused state institutions for political agendas.
Dare further clarified that the EFCC’s actions are based on law and credible evidence, and that President Tinubu is dedicated to upholding the integrity of state institutions.
