Bashir Abdullahi Haske, son-in-law of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has denied claims by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he was evading arrest over alleged multi-million-dollar money laundering.
The EFCC had previously issued a notice declaring Haske wanted in connection with alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering linked to contracts with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), with funds reportedly traced to accounts associated with him.
In a statement released through his media office, Haske described the EFCC’s actions as a politically motivated witch-hunt, insisting that he has nothing to hide.
He said he had complied with all invitations from the anti-graft agency, appearing before investigators and providing both oral and documentary evidence to prove the legitimacy of his financial transactions.
The businessman also accused the EFCC of denying him administrative bail despite meeting stringent conditions and detaining him unlawfully, which he said led to a severe deterioration in his health while in custody.
Haske added that he was only released on bail after his worsening medical condition raised concerns for his survival, and he is currently receiving medical treatment.
“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 stated.“