Interpol has rejected EFCC’s wanted notice against Atiku’s son-in-law and cited political motives.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) has dismissed a wanted alert issued by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Lagos businessman Bashir Haske, son-in-law to opposition leader Atiku Abubakar.
Interpol, headquartered in Lyon, France, said on Friday that its constitution prohibits targeting individuals on political grounds, stressing it will not be used as a tool to advance partisan interests.
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“Please note that INTERPOL will only issue a Red Notice if it complies with the organisation’s rules and Constitution, which notably forbids INTERPOL from issuing a Notice on political, religious, racial or military grounds,” the global police agency said in a statement to Peoples Gazette.
The EFCC had declared Mr. Haske wanted on Thursday night over alleged money laundering, despite a subsisting federal court order restraining such action.
According to sources, the move formed part of an ongoing campaign to pressure Atiku through his family ties, while also attempting to force a leadership shake-up at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).
Earlier this month, details of how NNPC Group CEO Bayo Ojulari was allegedly coerced into resigning under duress was made public. The ploy reportedly collapsed after First Lady Remi Tinubu intervened, countering the influence of President Bola Tinubu’s close associate, Olatimbo Ayinde, who has been pushing to oust Mr. Ojulari.
Mr. Haske’s current whereabouts are unclear, though sources say he may have fled the country following his detention last month. Neither his representatives nor NNPC officials were available for comment.
The EFCC has long been accused of partisanship since its inception in 2003 under President Olusegun Obasanjo. Critics say it routinely weaponises corruption probes against opposition figures while shielding allies of the ruling party. A federal judge recently faulted the commission for relying on “media trials” rather than thorough investigations.
Interpol’s swift dismissal of the EFCC’s request underscores the credibility crisis facing Nigeria’s anti-graft agency both at home and abroad.
