INTERPOL ignores EFCC wanted alert against Atiku’s son-in-law

The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) has said it will not act on a “wanted” notice issued by Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the EFCC, against Lagos businessman Bashir Haske, husband to opposition leader Atiku Abubakar’s daughter.

In a statement on Friday, Interpol explained that its rules prohibit involvement in cases motivated by political, religious, racial, or military interests.

“Interpol will not help any member country pursue politically motivated cases,” the France-based organisation stated, noting Mr. Abubakar’s position as Nigeria’s top opposition figure.

The EFCC had declared Haske wanted for alleged money laundering, despite a court order restraining the agency from taking such action. Reports suggest the move may have been politically influenced, with Haske’s connection to Atiku allegedly leveraged in a power struggle involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).

Sources indicate Haske may have left Nigeria following a brief detention in July.

Since its establishment in 2003, the EFCC has faced criticism for allegedly being used against political opponents. The agency has repeatedly denied claims of bias, but concerns persist over weak investigations, media trials, and selective enforcement.

Interpol’s swift refusal of the alert has sparked renewed debates in Nigeria. Activists and analysts have previously described the arrest of former Bauchi State governor Aminu Tambuwal, who recently moved from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as politically motivated.

The EFCC maintains that its investigation of Tambuwal is unrelated to politics, but questions about the commission’s independence continue to dominate public discourse.