Abdullahi Haske, son-in-law to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has denied allegations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he is evading arrest after being declared wanted over alleged multi-million-dollar money laundering.
The EFCC, last Thursday, issued a notice declaring Haske wanted for alleged conspiracy and money laundering linked to contracts at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC). Some funds were said to have been traced to accounts linked to him.
In a statement released through his media office, Haske described the EFCC’s action as politically motivated, stressing that he has nothing to hide.
He said he had honoured the anti-graft agency’s invitation, appeared before investigators and submitted both oral and documentary evidence to show the legitimacy of his financial dealings.
Haske alleged that despite his cooperation, he was denied administrative bail even after meeting tough conditions and was unlawfully detained until his health deteriorated.
According to him, he was released only when his worsening medical condition raised concerns over his survival.
“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.
The Adamawa-born businessman, who is married into the Atiku family, added that he is not a politician and has no political ambition. He also accused the EFCC of attempting to misuse Interpol, noting that the international body had made it clear it does not intervene in politically tainted cases.
Reaffirming his stance, he said: “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.”
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale has, however, dismissed suggestions that the manhunt against Haske was politically motivated, insisting the businessman has been under investigation for years and jumped bail.
The commission has also frozen a $15 million account linked to Haske.
Meanwhile, his lawyers have challenged the EFCC’s declaration in court, describing it as an abuse of process and insisting that a motion is pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja to set aside the warrant used to obtain the order.
Haske, 38, is the founder and group managing director of AA & R Investment Group, a conglomerate with interests in oil and gas, ICT, aviation, marine services and logistics. He holds the traditional title of Ciroma-Ganye of Adamawa.