Interpol has nullified Nigeria’s EFCC notice against businessman Bashir Haske, citing restrictions on politically motivated cases.
The decision has intensified public debate on EFCC’s credibility and its handling of politically sensitive investigations.
Newskobo.com earlier reported that Abdullahi Haske, son-in-law of Atiku Abubakar, was declared wanted by the EFCC over alleged money laundering.
The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) has dismissed a wanted notice issued by Nigeria’s anti-graft body, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), against Lagos businessman Bashir Haske, who is married to the daughter of former Vice President and opposition leader Atiku Abubakar.
In a statement on Friday, Interpol explained that its constitution bars it from taking part in cases that are influenced by political, religious, racial, or military considerations. The agency stressed that it will not cooperate with any country in pursuing investigations seen as politically motivated.
The EFCC had earlier declared Haske wanted over alleged money laundering. This action was reportedly taken despite a subsisting court order restraining the commission from proceeding with such notice. Reports suggested that the move was linked to political struggles within the oil and gas sector, particularly issues tied to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).
It was also gathered that Haske, who had been briefly detained in July, may have left the country. His case has fueled arguments that the EFCC is often used as a tool against perceived political opponents, an allegation that has trailed the agency since its establishment in 2003. Critics have long accused it of weak investigations and relying on media trials rather than solid convictions.
The rejection of the alert has revived public discussions about the independence of the EFCC. This comes at a time when the commission is also facing scrutiny over its investigation of former Bauchi State governor Aminu Tambuwal, which many activists described as politically driven. The EFCC has denied these claims, insisting its actions are based strictly on law enforcement duties.
