Submit To EFCC Probe, Group Tells Haske

A pro-transparency group, Accountability Watch, has dismissed as delay tactics, claims by Mr. Bashir Abdullahi Haske, a businessman under the Economic And Financial Crimes (EFCC) investigation, that he was not running from justice, but had gone to receive medical attention.

The group charged the businessman, who is being investigated for a multi-million dollar financial crime, to submit himself to EFCC for investigation if his claims of ill-health and medical attention were not mere ploys to frustrate or evade justice.

Mr Haske, in a statement by the public relations officer of his office in Abuja on Tuesday, had denied EFCC’s initial allegation that he ran away to evade investigation and justice.

He said contrary to EFCC’s claims, he voluntarily honoured the anti-graft agency’s invitation, appeared before investigators and provided comprehensive answers to all questions.

“I am not on the run. I am committed to clearing my name and cooperating with lawful investigations. All I ask is that EFCC conducts its duties within the ambit of the rule of law and without political interference,” he said.

He said he wished to set the record straight,” alleging that the EFCC denied him administrative bail, even after he satisfied all conditions imposed.

Reacting to his claims, Accountability Watch said through its executive secretary, Dr Benjamin Asan, that if Mr Haste was not trying to evade justice, why was he not making himself available for EFCC investigators to gain access to him even if he is in a hospital bed?

The group wondered why anybody who is called to order for malfeasance would always resort to blackmailing the anti-graft commission.

It said the EFCC is not a political party but an organisation whose duty it is to tackle corruption in the country and bring culprits to justice.

The group also stated that what the EFCC is doing is simply to investigate and possibly file charges before a competent court which has the powers to convict or acquit any suspect or defendant.