‘No One Is Above The Law’: Presidency Backs EFCC In Atiku Son-In-Law Case

By Eyesjournals

The Presidency has thrown its weight behind Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), after the agency declared Abdullahi Haske, a businessman and son-in-law of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, wanted over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

The development has sparked heated debate in Nigeria’s political space, with opposition figures alleging that the case is politically motivated, while the Presidency insists it is simply proof that “no one is above the law.”

EFCC Declares Haske Wanted

The EFCC added Haske, founder of AA & R Investment Group, to its wanted list after he allegedly jumped administrative bail and failed to honour repeated invitations from investigators.

An EFCC insider told Punch newspaper that Haske had been under investigation for several months before reportedly going into hiding.

“His case with the EFCC has been ongoing for some time, and he was duly invited. He is facing corruption allegations but failed to comply with the conditions of his bail. He was expected to report regularly to the commission, but since securing bail, he has gone into hiding,” the source revealed.

This move follows a pattern: the EFCC has in the past declared politically exposed persons wanted when they fail to cooperate with investigations, including former governors and high-profile business moguls.

Atiku Camp Cries Foul

Reacting to the declaration, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, accused the Tinubu administration of using state institutions to persecute political opponents.

“Our concern is that we hope the young man is not being victimised on account of being an in-law to the former Vice President. Tinubu has shown the capacity to use the instrument of the state to harass and intimidate opposition,” Ibe said.

This reaction underscores long-standing opposition fears that Nigeria’s anti-graft war is often selectively applied, targeting those out of favour with the ruling elite.

Presidency Hits Back: Rule of Law Above Politics

But the Presidency swiftly dismissed these allegations. Speaking through Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Sunday Dare, it stressed that the EFCC was simply carrying out its statutory mandate.

“There is no harassment or victimisation here, only the independent and lawful operation of Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions. No one is above the law,” Dare stated.

He added that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was committed to strengthening institutions and upholding due process, contrasting it with what he described as past governments that “weaponised state institutions for political witch-hunts.”

“Those attempting to politicise the arrest of a son-in-law to a former Vice President are simply grasping at straws. Without strong institutions that act without fear or favour, no country can truly progress,” Dare said.

The Broader Context: EFCC and Political Battles

Nigeria’s EFCC has long been at the centre of controversy. Established in 2003 to combat financial crimes, the agency has successfully prosecuted several high-profile cases, including former state governors, ministers, and business leaders.

However, critics often argue that its operations are politically influenced, especially during election cycles. For example, under the Buhari administration, opposition leaders frequently accused the EFCC of selective prosecution — a perception Tinubu’s government is now battling to dispel.

Internationally, Nigeria’s anti-corruption record has been under scrutiny. Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index ranked Nigeria 145 out of 180 countries, highlighting persistent governance challenges. The Haske case, therefore, carries weight not just domestically but also for Nigeria’s global image in fighting graft.

Political Implications for 2027

The case also plays into Nigeria’s increasingly tense political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections. Atiku Abubakar, who ran against Tinubu in 2023 and challenged the results in court, remains a central opposition figure.

Observers warn that targeting his family members could deepen mistrust and polarisation, potentially undermining the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Yet, others argue that shielding politically connected individuals from investigation would weaken the fight against corruption.

As one Abuja-based analyst put it:

“The real question is whether EFCC can handle this case transparently, free from political interference. If Haske is guilty, let the evidence speak. If not, then the Presidency must ensure justice is not sacrificed for political convenience.”

What Happens Next?

If Haske remains in hiding, the EFCC could seek an international arrest warrant through Interpol, as it has done in past cases. Such moves would test Nigeria’s commitment to cross-border anti-corruption cooperation and raise the stakes for Atiku’s political camp.

For the Presidency, standing firmly behind the EFCC is a signal to both domestic and international observers that Tinubu intends to strengthen institutions — but whether Nigerians believe this narrative may depend on how fairly the case is prosecuted.

Conclusion

The saga surrounding Atiku’s son-in-law illustrates the fine line between legitimate anti-corruption enforcement and perceived political persecution in Nigeria.

The Presidency insists that “no one is above the law,” while Atiku’s camp sees the move as an attack on opposition. With Nigeria’s fragile democracy facing multiple pressures — from economic hardship to insecurity — how this case unfolds will have implications far beyond one man.

It will test not only the EFCC’s credibility but also the Tinubu administration’s claim to fairness, justice, and the rule of law.