The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed allegations by businessman Abdullahi Bashir Haske, son-in-law to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, that his rights were trampled while in the agency’s custody.
Haske, who is the founder of AA & R Investment Group, had told The Africa Report that he collapsed during interrogation at the EFCC and was later hospitalised. He has gone further to file a suit against the commission, insisting that his detention conditions amounted to rights violation.
But the EFCC on Tuesday denied any wrongdoing. Its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said the commission had not been served with any court papers and therefore had no case to answer.
“The EFCC has not been served the court proceedings. There is nothing to react on,” Oyewale said.
He described Haske’s allegations as “untenable,” adding that the commission’s holding facilities were among the best in the world.
“Our facility is one of the best in the world. That is why some even ask the court to remand them in our custody rather than in prisons. EFCC custody is not a death centre,” he stressed.
Commission Declares Him Wanted
Beyond denying the claims, the EFCC accused Haske of breaching the terms of his administrative bail and ignoring further invitations. The commission said he is being investigated for criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
In a public notice signed by Oyewale, the agency declared Haske wanted and urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to report to the nearest police station or EFCC office. It also listed his last known addresses in Ikoyi and Victoria Island, Lagos.
Haske’s company, which has interests in energy, agribusiness, logistics and ICT, has featured in past probes into alleged multimillion-dollar transfers from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).
