The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Abdullahi Bashir Haske, son-in-law of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, wanted over alleged involvement in criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
In a notice issued on Thursday by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the agency appealed to members of the public to provide information that could lead to Haske’s arrest.
“The public is hereby notified that Abdullahi Bashir Haske, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the EFCC in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering,” the statement read.
EFCC Issues Public Alert
According to the EFCC, Haske, aged 38, was last known to reside at No. 6 Mosley Road, Ikoyi, and 952/953 Idejo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
The commission urged Nigerians with useful information to report to any of its offices nationwide, which include branches in:
- Abuja
- Lagos
- Kano
- Ibadan
- Sokoto
- Maiduguri
- Port Harcourt
- Uyo
- Benin
- Makurdi
- Kaduna
- Ilorin
- Enugu
- Gombe
The EFCC further noted that tips can also be shared through its dedicated telephone hotlines and official email addresses.
FG Reaffirms Non-Interference in EFCC Operations
Meanwhile, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has assured Nigerians that the President Bola Tinubu administration will continue to guarantee the independence of the EFCC and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in the anti-corruption fight.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Top Management Retreat of the Federal Ministry of Justice held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, on Thursday, Fagbemi dismissed claims of political interference in the activities of anti-graft agencies.
“We don’t interfere in the investigation of corruption cases by anti-graft agencies. What we do is leave them, because they are best suited; they are well organised, and that’s why they are put in place to investigate allegations of crime,” the minister explained.
He added that the ministry only reviews the investigative reports presented by the agencies to identify gaps or areas requiring further scrutiny before prosecution.
Context of Rising High-Profile Cases
Fagbemi’s comments come at a time when his office has been under scrutiny over the increasing number of high-profile corruption and financial crimes cases it has taken over from the EFCC, with some subsequently terminated.
The AGF maintained that the government remains committed to strengthening institutions and ensuring that no sacred cows exist in the fight against corruption.
