The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) has declined to act on a “wanted” notice issued by Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the EFCC, against Lagos businessman Bashir Haske, who is married to the daughter of opposition leader Atiku Abubakar.
In a statement on Friday, Interpol said its rules prevent involvement in cases driven by political, religious, racial, or military motives. “Interpol will not help any member country pursue politically motivated cases,” the France-based organisation added, noting Mr. Abubakar’s position as Nigeria’s top opposition figure.
The EFCC had declared Mr. Haske wanted over alleged money laundering, despite a court order restraining the agency from taking such action. Reports suggest the move may have been influenced by political pressure, with Mr. Haske’s ties to Atiku reportedly playing a role in a power struggle involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). Sources indicate Mr. Haske may have left the country following a brief detention in July.
Critics have long accused the EFCC of being used against political opponents since its establishment in 2003. The agency has faced repeated claims of bias, weak investigations, and conducting media trials rather than solid prosecutions, despite its denials.
Interpol’s rejection of the alert against Mr. Haske has reignited debates about the EFCC’s independence. Many activists and analysts recently described the arrest of former Bauchi State governor Aminu Tambuwal as politically motivated. Tambuwal, who switched from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has been under investigation by the EFCC, which insists its probe is not politically driven.
The debate over the commission’s impartiality continues to be a contentious issue in Nigeria.
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