The Presidency has dismissed allegations by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar that the Bola Tinubu administration is using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to persecute his son-in-law, Abdullahi Bashir Haske.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said in a statement that the government has no role in Haske’s ordeal, stressing that the EFCC is an independent body carrying out its statutory duties.
“President Tinubu has nothing to do with Haske’s case. The EFCC is only doing its job. No one is above the law. Haske should come out of hiding and face justice,” Onanuga said.
The EFCC’s Case Against Haske
The EFCC recently declared Haske, a businessman and oil mogul, wanted over allegations of:
- Money laundering
- Obtaining money under false pretence
- Criminal breach of trust
- Conspiracy
The charges are linked to a controversial ₦5.7 billion consultancy contract awarded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
According to investigators, the contract—allegedly facilitated through Haske’s company—was used to divert funds under the guise of oil-related consultancy services. The EFCC claims the deal lacked transparency and raised serious concerns about fraud.
Coalition Demands Kyari’s Sack
In a related development, the Coalition of Nigerian Patriots has called for the resignation or removal of NNPCL boss, Mele Kyari.
The group alleged that the deal involving Haske was “loot in broad daylight,” pointing to alleged political patronage and reports of luxury retreats, including private jet trips and a Kigali getaway linked to proceeds from the contract.
The coalition urged President Tinubu to demonstrate commitment to his anti-corruption stance by ordering a full probe into the NNPCL.
Atiku’s Defence of Haske
Atiku Abubakar, who is also the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had earlier criticized the EFCC’s move, describing it as politically motivated and targeted at his family.
In a statement, Atiku alleged that his son-in-law was being unfairly hounded because of his political stance, claiming that the current government was bent on silencing opposition voices.
He said: “This is not about Haske. This is about trying to weaken me politically. The EFCC should not be turned into a tool for intimidation.”
While Atiku insists the charges are politically driven, the Presidency maintains that the EFCC is acting within the law and that Haske must account for his actions.
“The EFCC is not under the control of President Tinubu. The agency is doing its job as an anti-graft body. Haske should prove his innocence in court, not in hiding,” Onanuga emphasized.
What’s Next?
With Haske still on the run, the EFCC has intensified efforts to track him down. Security analysts say the case will test the government’s resolve in fighting corruption, especially within Nigeria’s oil sector.
Meanwhile, civil society groups are watching closely, insisting that beyond Haske, all those involved in the alleged fraud—including NNPCL officials—must be held accountable.
