A coalition of pro-democracy groups has described the move by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to declare Bashir Haske, son-in-law to former vice-president Atiku Abubakar, wanted as “politically motivated persecution”.
The coalition stated that the EFCC was acting beyond its mandate by attempting to use Interpol to enforce what it termed a “media trial” against Haske.
It stated that to date, no charges have been brought against him, and the coalition noted that Haske has consistently cooperated with investigators.
Arc. Benedict Aiguobarueghian, the coalition’s convener, urged the media to hold government institutions accountable when they deviate from their mandates.
He said: “The EFCC’s pursuit of this case appears driven by personal and political agendas rather than evidence of financial wrongdoing.
“Such actions risk eroding public trust in Nigeria’s anti-graft institutions and must stop.”
The coalition also noted that Interpol had distanced itself from the EFCC’s request, a development it described as a “victory for justice over political vendetta”.
“We commend Interpol for refusing to be used as a tool of political witch-hunt.
“The EFCC’s actions clearly show that the case against Bashir Haske is vendetta, not justice,” the coalition said.
The group accused the EFCC of weaponising the anti-corruption war against perceived political opponents of the federal government, warning that such practices undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s institutions.
It urged the commission to pursue genuine anti-graft cases “without bias or external influence” and called on Nigerians to reject what it described as “selective justice”.