Abdullahi Bashir Haske, businessman and son-in-law of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has denied claims by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he is evading arrest over alleged multi-million-dollar money laundering.
The EFCC had declared Haske wanted in a notice issued last Thursday, citing alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering linked to contracts with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The agency claimed that funds traced to multiple accounts connected to Haske are part of its ongoing investigation.
Through a statement released by his media office, Haske described the EFCC’s actions as “politically motivated” and an attempt to tarnish his reputation.
“I am not on the run. I am committed to clearing my name and cooperating with lawful investigations. All I ask is that EFCC conducts its duties within the ambit of the rule of law and without political interference,” Haske said.
He added that he had already responded to the EFCC’s invitation, appeared before investigators, and presented both oral and documentary evidence validating his financial dealings.
Haske also accused the EFCC of misconduct, stating that he was denied administrative bail despite meeting the conditions.
“I was unlawfully detained until my health deteriorated, leading to a near-collapse in custody. It is therefore shocking and disingenuous for EFCC to now claim I am ‘running away’ when they are well aware that my health crisis was precipitated by their own misconduct,” he said.
He noted that his release was prompted by concerns over his worsening medical condition, and he is currently receiving treatment.
Haske, who emphasized that he has no political ambitions, condemned attempts to link his marital ties to political controversies. He also accused the EFCC of trying to misuse Interpol for political purposes, asserting that the international agency had repeatedly clarified it would not intervene in politically tainted cases.
