The Presidency has thrown its weight behind the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after the agency declared Abdullahi Haske, businessman and son-in-law to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, wanted over allegations of conspiracy and money laundering.
Haske, who is the founder of AA & R Investment Group, reportedly disappeared after securing administrative bail and has refused to honour EFCC’s invitations. According to insiders at the commission, he had been under probe for months before suddenly going underground.
“His case has been ongoing, and he was expected to report as investigations continued. But after getting bail, he simply stopped showing up. That’s why the EFCC had no choice but to declare him wanted,” a source explained.
Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, however, described the move as political persecution. He argued that the probe might be another attempt by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to intimidate opposition figures. “We only hope this young man is not being harassed because of who he is related to. Nigerians know Tinubu’s capacity to use state institutions to witch-hunt opponents,” Ibe said.
But the Presidency quickly dismissed the allegation. Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Sunday Dare, maintained that the EFCC was simply doing its job. “There is no harassment here. This is just an anti-graft agency carrying out its lawful duties. No one is above the law,” he stated firmly.
He went on to stress that President Tinubu’s government was committed to strengthening the rule of law and building strong institutions that don’t bend to political influence. “Those trying to politicise the EFCC’s work are only grasping at straws. Unlike past administrations that weaponised state institutions, this government is focused on fairness, due process, and credible prosecutions,” Dare added.
