“Coalition Lauds Interpol for Upholding Justice in Bashir Haske Case”

Coalition Hails Interpol for Rejecting EFCC’s “Politically Motivated” Declaration of Bashir Haske

The Coalition for Good Leadership, Accountability, and Rule of Law Initiative has commended Interpol for distancing itself from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) attempt to declare businessman Bashir Abdullahi Haske wanted, describing the move as a politically motivated smear campaign.

In a statement released on August 23, 2025, the coalition praised Interpol’s refusal to participate in what it termed a “vendetta” against perceived opposition figures aligned against Nigeria’s current administration.

According to IReporter Online, Interpol responded to an inquiry from The People’s Gazette, stating clearly that it has no intention of supporting politically driven requests, especially in the case of Haske — a businessman who also happens to be the son-in-law of opposition leader Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

“Interpol has shown commendable courage in refusing to aid what appears to be a politically motivated effort by the EFCC,” the coalition noted.

“Their decision underscores a commitment to due process and fairness, principles increasingly under threat in Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework.”

Advertisement

The EFCC’s public declaration of Haske as a wanted person on August 21, 2025, sparked significant controversy, largely due to the apparent emphasis on his relationship to Atiku Abubakar.

The coalition criticized this framing, accusing the agency of trying to undermine Haske’s identity as a credible entrepreneur through politically charged headlines.

Adding further weight to the coalition’s argument, according to IReporter Online, Interpol disclosed that it had not been officially contacted by the EFCC regarding Haske’s case.

The international policing body reiterated its policy against supporting politically charged cases, noting the absence of any formal request from Nigerian authorities.

This revelation prompted the coalition to question the EFCC’s procedural integrity.

“If the EFCC believes Haske is a legitimate suspect under international law, why hasn’t it engaged Interpol properly? Why the evasion of global protocols?” the group asked.

The coalition argued that this oversight—or deliberate avoidance—suggests that the EFCC’s motives may be more political than judicial, pointing to a worrying trend of using law enforcement mechanisms to target government critics.

Court records referenced by the coalition indicate that Haske voluntarily honored an EFCC invitation on July 23, 2025. Despite meeting his bail terms, he was held for two days, during which he collapsed and required emergency medical care.

Upon release, he was directed to return on August 11, 2025, and submitted a medical report from the National Judicial Council Clinic, outlining injuries allegedly sustained in EFCC custody.

The coalition condemned the EFCC’s approach as a “media trial”, accusing the commission of crafting headlines to sway public opinion before any charges have been officially filed, to date, Haske has not been charged and, according to the group, continues to cooperate fully with investigators.

Speaking on the matter, Arc. Benedict Aiguobarueghian, the coalition’s convener, called on the media to scrutinize agencies that deviate from lawful mandates.

“The EFCC’s actions in this matter appear more about political persecution than genuine financial misconduct,” he said. “This kind of weaponization of power threatens public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions.”

The group urged the EFCC to return to the path of transparency, professionalism, and legal due process, and expressed optimism that the truth would ultimately prevail.

“We remain resolute in our belief that justice will triumph,” the coalition concluded.

Meanwhile, according to IReporter Online, the growing public scrutiny surrounding the EFCC’s handling of Haske’s case has amplified calls for a broader review of how political affiliations are influencing Nigeria’s anti-graft war.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”