By Obinna Uballa
Bashir Abdullahi Haske, a businessman and a son-in-law of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to allegations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) linking him to a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme and accusing him of evading justice.
In a statement issued by his media office in Abuja on Tuesday, Haske described the claims as “false, politically motivated, and malicious.”
“I am not on the run. I have honoured EFCC’s invitation, appeared before investigators, and answered every question. I am committed to clearing my name, but the Commission must act within the law and without political interference,” he said.
Haske explained that he provided documentary evidence to prove the legitimacy of his business dealings.
According to the statement, despite his cooperation, EFCC allegedly denied him administrative bail after he met all conditions, unlawfully detained him, and subjected him to conditions that led to a severe health crisis.
“I nearly collapsed in custody. It was only after the EFCC realised the grave consequences of my possible death in detention that I was released,” Haske alleged, adding that he is now undergoing medical treatment for complications caused by his detention.
He expressed shock over what he called fresh EFCC claims that he is on the run, insisting that his current medical situation was a direct result of the commission’s actions.
Haske further accused EFCC of attempting to involve Interpol in a politically driven campaign, stressing that the international agency has reiterated that political witch-hunts fall outside its mandate.
The businessman, who noted that he has no political ambitions or affiliations, said his marriage to a political figure should not be used as a “weapon of persecution.”
Reiterating his willingness to cooperate with legitimate investigations, Haske said he was urging the EFCC to “focus on fighting genuine financial crimes instead of weaponizing its powers for political ends.”
