The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed allegations by businessman Abdullahi Bashir Haske, son-in-law to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, that his fundamental rights were violated while in the custody of the commission.
Haske, AA & R Investment Group owner, had claimed that he fainted while being interrogated by the EFCC and was later hospitalized. He has since sued the commission for purported violation.
Reacting on Tuesday, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said that the agency had not been served with any court process.
“The EFCC has not received court proceedings. There is nothing to respond to,” Oyewale said, describing Haske’s claims as baseless.
He also came to the defense of the commission’s detention facilities, asserting that they are international standard.
“Our centre is one of the best in the world. That is why some suspects even ask to be remanded in EFCC custody rather than in jail. His allegation is not credible. EFCC custody is not a death camp,” Oyewale stated.
EFCC Declares Haske Wanted
The anti-graft agency also restated its allegations against Haske, charging him with criminal conspiracy and money laundering. He violated the terms of his administrative bail and failed to turn up whenever he was called, which led to him being declared wanted, the commission said.
In a public announcement signed by Oyewale, the EFCC called on Nigerians who have information on Haske’s whereabouts to present themselves at the nearest police station or EFCC office. The announcement also contained his last known addresses in Ikoyi and Victoria Island, Lagos.
Haske’s company, AA & R Investment Group with interests in energy, agribusiness, transport, and ICT has also been involved before with investigations into allegations of multimillion-dollar transfers by NNPCL.
