The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) has rejected, dismissed and refused to act on a “wanted” notice issued by Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the EFCC, against Lagos businessman Bashir Haske, who is Atiku’s son-in-law.
In a statement on Friday, Interpol clarified that its regulations prohibit participation in cases with military, racial, religious, or political motivations.
“Interpol will not help any member country pursue politically motivated cases,” the France-based body said, adding that it was aware of Mr. Abubakar’s position as Nigeria’s top opposition figure.
Despite a court order prohibiting the agency, the EFCC had proclaimed Atiku’s son-in-law sought on suspicion of money laundering.
According to reports, Mr. Haske’s connections to Atiku were exploited as a weapon in a power battle over the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), and the action was a result of broader political pressure.
After a brief incarceration in July, Mr. Haske may have left the country, according to sources.
Since its founding in 2003, the EFCC has been accused by critics of being used as a weapon against political opponents. The agency has long been plagued by allegations of prejudice, shoddy investigations, and media trials rather than strong prosecutions, despite repeated denials.
Interpol’s swift rejection of the alert against Atiku’s son-in-law has continued to generate mixed reactions among Nigerians.
Recall how the majority of experts and activists recently labelled the arrest of former governor of Bauchi State, Aminu Tambuwal, as politically motivated.
Tambuwal, an opposition leader, recently switched to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
However, the EFCC has stated in multiple media briefings that politics has no bearing on its probe against Tambuwal.
Since then, Nigerians have started debating the commission’s independence.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
