The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied claims by businessman Abdullahi Bashir Haske, son-in-law to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, that his fundamental rights were violated while in the agency’s custody.
Haske, founder of AA & R Investment Group, had alleged in a report by The Africa Report that he collapsed during interrogation at the EFCC, an incident that reportedly led to his hospitalisation. He has since filed a suit against the anti-graft commission over the alleged violation.
Reacting on Tuesday, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said the commission had not been officially served with court processes.
“The EFCC has not been served the court proceedings. There is nothing to react on,” Oyewale stated.
He further dismissed Haske’s allegations as unfounded, insisting the commission’s detention facilities meet global standards.
“Our facility is one of the best in the world. That is why some even ask the court to remand them in our custody rather than in prisons. His allegations are untenable. EFCC custody is not a death centre,” Oyewale said.
The EFCC, however, maintained its stance against Haske, accusing him of criminal conspiracy and money laundering. According to the agency, Haske violated the terms of his administrative bail and failed to honour subsequent invitations, prompting the commission to declare him wanted.
In a public notice signed by Oyewale, the EFCC urged Nigerians with information on Haske’s whereabouts to report to the nearest police station or EFCC office. It also listed his last known addresses in Ikoyi and Victoria Island, Lagos.
Haske’s company, which has investments in energy, agribusiness, logistics and ICT, has previously been linked to investigations involving alleged multimillion-dollar transfers from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
