Don’t Arrest Atiku Now, It Lacks Tact, MURIC Warns FG

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has cautioned the Federal Government against arresting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over renewed allegations of financial misconduct.

The warning followed a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeking a fresh probe into allegations against Atiku dating back to his tenure as Vice President, as well as concerns raised by former Senator Dino Melaye over moves to invite or arrest him.

In a statement on Tuesday, MURIC Founder and Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, said any move against Atiku, who is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, at this time would lack tact and send the wrong signal.

“We warn that such an attempt at this point in time will send the wrong signal to Nigerians. With the 2027 general elections at the doorstep, we would like to caution the Federal Government against such a move. It lacks tact. It is also long on impunity and short on emotional intelligence,” he said.

The group urged the Federal Government to tread cautiously, given the proximity of the 2027 elections.

MURIC further warned against government body language capable of portraying Nigeria negatively before the international community.

“At all costs, the FG must avoid exhibiting a body language that is likely to portray Nigeria as a banana republic. We have lost the ethical ground. What is left for us are our democratic values and norms. Our corporate image in the global community is sinking fast,” the statement said.

The group said the handling of the matter must reflect due process and avoid actions that could erode public confidence in democratic institutions.