– The Coalition for Good Leadership, Accountability, and Rule of Law Initiative has lauded Interpol for dismissing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) declaration of businessman Bashir Abdullahi Haske as a wanted individual, describing the EFCC’s move as a politically motivated attack.
In a statement issued on August 23, 2025, the coalition commended Interpol for its refusal to assist in what it called a “vendetta” by the EFCC against perceived opponents of Nigeria’s ruling government.
The international police organization, in an email response to an inquiry from The People’s Gazette, a reputable Nigerian media outlet, clarified that it has no intention of supporting politically driven cases, particularly those involving Haske, who is known to be the son-in-law of prominent opposition leader Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
“Interpol has shown commendable courage in standing against the unwarranted victimization of opposition figures in Nigeria through state mechanisms,” the coalition stated. “Their refusal to be a tool in the EFCC’s persecution of political opponents demonstrates a commitment to fairness.”
The EFCC’s declaration of Haske as wanted, announced on August 21, 2025, has sparked widespread controversy, largely due to his familial ties to Atiku Abubakar. The coalition criticized the agency for what it described as a deliberate attempt to sensationalize the case by framing Haske as “Atiku’s in-law” in media reports, overshadowing his reputation as a respected businessman.
Adding weight to the coalition’s claims, a widely circulated report quoted Interpol stating it had no record of the EFCC notifying them about Haske’s status. Interpol emphasized that it does not support politically motivated cases and noted that Nigeria had not shared any information regarding Haske’s alleged wanted status.
The coalition questioned the EFCC’s failure to follow international protocols, asking, “If the declaration of Haske as a wanted criminal adheres to international law, why has the EFCC not alerted Interpol? Why is the commission hesitant to seek Interpol’s assistance in apprehending him?”
The coalition argued that the EFCC’s apparent evasion of standard procedures suggests ulterior motives, reinforcing suspicions of a politically driven agenda. “This is a troubling example of prioritizing sensationalism over legitimate judicial processes,” the group said, accusing the anti-graft agency of weaponizing its authority to target political opponents.
Court records cited by the coalition reveal that Haske voluntarily responded to an EFCC invitation for questioning on July 23, 2025. Despite meeting bail conditions, he was detained for two days, during which his health deteriorated, resulting in a collapse and emergency hospitalization. Upon his release, he was instructed to return on August 11, 2025, and provided a medical report from the National Judicial Council Clinic in Abuja, documenting injuries sustained while in custody.
The coalition accused the EFCC of orchestrating a “media trial” through public declarations and sensational headlines designed to prejudice public opinion and damage Haske’s reputation before any formal charges are filed. To date, no charges have been brought against him, and the coalition noted that Haske has consistently cooperated with investigators.
Arc. Benedict Aiguobarueghian, the coalition’s convener, urged the media to hold government institutions accountable when they deviate from their mandates. “The EFCC’s pursuit of this case appears driven by personal and political agendas rather than evidence of financial wrongdoing,” Aiguobarueghian said. “Such actions risk eroding public trust in Nigeria’s anti-graft institutions and must stop.”
The coalition called on the EFCC to uphold fairness, transparency, and respect for due process in handling Haske’s case, expressing confidence that justice would prevail. “We remain steadfast in our belief that truth and fairness will triumph,” the group concluded.
