Interpol Rejects EFCC’s ‘Politically-Motivated’ Wanted Alert on Atiku’s Son-in-Law, Bashir Haske

By Emmanuel Kwada

The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) has dismissed a wanted alert issued by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Lagos businessman Bashir Haske, son-in-law to opposition leader Atiku Abubakar, citing its policy against politically motivated cases.

The France-based global law enforcement body issued a statement to PEOPLES GAZETTE on Friday morning, emphasizing that it will not assist in pursuits that violate its constitution, which prohibits actions based on political, religious, racial, or military grounds.

The EFCC declared Haske wanted on Thursday night for alleged money laundering, despite a federal court order barring such moves. Sources told The GAZETTE that the agency’s actions are part of a broader scheme to target Haske due to his marriage to Abubakar’s daughter, aiming to destabilize the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). Abubakar, a former vice president and the main opposition candidate in the 2023 presidential elections, has been a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu and recently helped form a new opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

Interpol has no plans to help member countries advance politically-motivated cases

“Interpol has no plans to help member countries advance politically-motivated cases,” the organization stated, noting its awareness of Abubakar’s political stature. It added that any Red Notice request must comply with strict regulations to protect fundamental rights, a standard the EFCC’s alert apparently failed to meet.

The EFCC’s move follows a pattern of alleged political weaponization. On August 2, The GAZETTE revealed how EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede attempted to force NNPC CEO Bayo Ojulari to resign under duress, a plot reportedly orchestrated with influence from Olatimbo Ayinde, President Tinubu’s mistress, who faces bribery and corruption charges in the UK.

The scheme was thwarted after intervention by First Lady Remi Tinubu. Olukoyede has not denied the allegations but criticized The GAZETTE for portraying him negatively, a claim the outlet rejected.

Any Red Notice request must comply with strict regulations to protect fundamental rights, a standard the EFCC’s alert apparently failed to meet

Haske’s whereabouts remain unknown, with sources suggesting he may have left Nigeria following a brief detention last month. Spokespersons for Haske, the EFCC, and NNPC were unavailable for comment.

The EFCC, established in 2003 under President Olusegun Obasanjo, has long faced accusations of serving as a tool for the ruling party to target opposition figures. Its credibility has been further eroded by recent judicial criticism for relying on media trials rather than robust prosecutions, particularly when investigating allies of the president. A federal judge last month slammed the agency for its lack of prosecutorial rigor.

Interpol’s swift rejection of the EFCC’s request underscores the Nigerian anti-graft agency’s dwindling international credibility, raising questions about its independence and competence in pursuing high-profile cases. As investigations continue, the case highlights the ongoing tension between Nigeria’s political landscape and its anti-corruption efforts.