EFCC Refutes Claims of Rights Violations by Abdullahi Bashir Haske
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially rejected allegations made by Abdullahi Bashir Haske, a businessman and son-in-law to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who accused the agency of infringing on his fundamental rights during his detention.
Background of the Allegations
Haske, the founder of AA & R Investment Group, was reported by The Africa Report to have fainted amid EFCC interrogation, an event that allegedly necessitated his hospitalization. Following this, he initiated legal action against the EFCC, claiming mistreatment while in custody.
EFCC’s Official Response and Facility Standards
On Tuesday, Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, stated that the commission has yet to receive any formal court documents related to Haske’s suit. “Without being served the court papers, we have no official response to provide,” Oyewale remarked.
He further dismissed the accusations as baseless, emphasizing that EFCC’s detention centers adhere to international standards. “Our detention facilities rank among the best globally, which is why some detainees prefer EFCC custody over conventional prisons. The claims made by Haske lack merit; EFCC custody is certainly not a place of harm or neglect,” Oyewale added.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Status
Despite denying the allegations, the EFCC reiterated its allegations against Haske, accusing him of involvement in criminal conspiracy and money laundering activities. The commission also noted that Haske breached the conditions of his administrative bail and ignored multiple summons, leading to his designation as a wanted individual.
Public Appeal and Company Background
In a public announcement signed by Oyewale, the EFCC called on citizens to assist by providing any information regarding Haske’s location, urging them to contact the nearest police station or EFCC office. The notice included his last known residences in Ikoyi and Victoria Island, Lagos.
AA & R Investment Group, Haske’s enterprise, operates across sectors such as energy, agribusiness, logistics, and information and communications technology (ICT). The company has been previously scrutinized in connection with investigations into alleged multimillion-dollar transactions linked to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Contextual Insight
Recent data from Transparency International highlights that Nigeria continues to face significant challenges with corruption, ranking 150th out of 180 countries in the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index. The EFCC’s intensified efforts to clamp down on financial crimes reflect ongoing attempts to improve governance and accountability within the country’s economic sectors.
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