Interpol Rejects EFCC Wanted Alert Against Atiku’s Son-in-Law

The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) has declined to act on a “wanted” notice issued by Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the EFCC, against Lagos businessman Bashir Haske, husband to opposition leader Atiku Abubakar’s daughter.

In a statement on Friday, Interpol said its rules prevent involvement in cases driven by political, religious, racial, or military motives.

“Interpol will not help any member country pursue politically motivated cases,” the France-based organisation said, noting Mr. Abubakar’s status as Nigeria’s leading opposition figure.

The EFCC had declared Haske wanted over alleged money laundering despite a court order restraining the agency from taking such action. Reports indicate the move may be tied to political pressure, with Haske’s connection to Atiku cited in a dispute over the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). Sources suggest Haske may have left the country following a brief detention in July.

Critics argue the EFCC has frequently been used as a political tool since its creation in 2003, citing allegations of bias, weak investigations, and media-driven prosecutions.

Interpol’s rejection of the alert has reignited debates about the EFCC’s independence, coming shortly after the controversial arrest of former Bauchi State governor Aminu Tambuwal. Tambuwal, an opposition politician who recently moved from the PDP to the ADC, was also accused by some analysts of being targeted for political reasons, though the EFCC has denied any political motive in his case.

The commission’s impartiality continues to fuel discussion among Nigerians.