I’m not a fugitive of justice: My ordeals politically motivated, Atiku’s in-law, Haske cries out
Businessman and son-in-law to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Bashir Abdullahi Haske, has dismissed claims by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that he is evading arrest, describing the allegations as false, politically motivated, and aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
The EFCC had, last Thursday, declared Haske wanted over alleged involvement in a multi-million-dollar money laundering and criminal conspiracy case. The Commission’s notice triggered wide public interest, linking the case to alleged contracts involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), with funds reportedly traced to accounts associated with Haske.
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But in a swift response, Haske, through a statement issued by his media office, insisted that he had never absconded from the EFCC. According to him, he has already honoured the agency’s invitation, appeared before its investigators, and provided both oral and written evidence to demonstrate the legality of his financial dealings.
He described the EFCC’s declaration as “shocking and disingenuous,” noting that his cooperation with investigators had been met with harassment, unlawful detention, and denial of due process. Haske claimed that despite meeting stringent bail conditions, he was deliberately denied release and was only granted bail after his health deteriorated in custody, nearly leading to his collapse.
Haske also dismissed insinuations that his marital relationship with Atiku Abubakar was influencing the case, stressing that he had no political ambitions and had never sought public office. He argued that attempts to drag him into political controversies because of his family ties were unjust, malicious, and a clear indication of persecution..
He further accused the EFCC of attempting to internationalize the matter by involving Interpol, an action he described as abuse of process. Haske maintained that Interpol had, on several occasions, made it clear that it does not intervene in politically tainted cases, a principle he believes the EFCC is deliberately ignoring.
Reaffirming his readiness to defend himself, Haske pledged his full cooperation with any lawful investigation conducted within the confines of the law. However, he warned against using state institutions as instruments of political vendetta.
The businessman urged Nigerians to see through what he termed “a well-orchestrated smear campaign,” calling on the EFCC to prioritize professionalism and fairness in the discharge of its duties. He reiterated that no amount of intimidation would deter him from seeking justice and protect his integrity.
