The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Abdullahi Bashir Haske, a businessman and son-in-law of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, wanted over alleged involvement in criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

The commission made the announcement in a public notice signed by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, urging Nigerians to assist with information that could lead to Haske’s arrest.

In its official statement, the EFCC said:

“The public is hereby notified that ABDULLAHI BASHIR HASKE, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Criminal Conspiracy and Money Laundering.”

EFCC Makes Appeal to the Public

According to the notice, Haske, 38, was last known to reside at No. 6 Mosley Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, and 952/953 Idejo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. His photograph has been released to aid identification.

The EFCC appealed to Nigerians to provide credible information on Haske’s whereabouts by reporting to the nearest police station or visiting any of its offices nationwide.

The anti-graft agency listed its operational offices in Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, and Abuja as contact points.

The commission further noted that useful information could also be shared through its official telephone lines or via email.

Context and Implications

The declaration of Haske wanted comes amid ongoing efforts by the EFCC to intensify its fight against financial crimes, including high-profile corruption cases. His connection to Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President and presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, is likely to draw heightened public and political interest.

As at press time, Atiku has not issued a public statement on the EFCC’s notice concerning his son-in-law.

The Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps, popularly known as So-Safe Corps, has evacuated an abandoned motorcycle in Kajola Town, Idiroko, and handed it over to the police for investigation.

The motorcycle, a blue Honda with registration number AYE 253 VX, was first reported to the corps on Thursday, August 14, 2025, by the Chairman of the Community Development Association (CDA), Kajola Community, Ogosa Town.

According to a statement issued by the corps commander, Dr. Soji Ganzallo, and released through the Director of Information and Public Relations, Assistant Commander Moruf Yusuf, the alert came in at about 5:13 p.m.

Handed over to police for investigation

Following the call, the Divisional Officer of Idiroko Division, CSC Abdulkareem Abdulrazaq, and his team moved swiftly to the scene to secure the motorcycle.

Dr. Ganzallo explained that preliminary checks and inquiries did not reveal the identity of the owner or the reason the motorcycle was abandoned. The motorbike was subsequently transferred to the Nigeria Police Force, Idiroko Divisional Headquarters, for further investigation.

Community vigilance commended

The state commander praised the community’s quick response and its collaboration with the corps in reporting the suspicious motorcycle.

In his words:

“This is a commendable step and a clear signal of residents’ active involvement in community policing. I encourage members of the public to always report any suspicious activity to security agencies for prompt action.”

Why this matters

The So-Safe Corps, which operates as a grassroots security outfit in Ogun State, has been working to strengthen collaboration between communities and security agencies. This latest action highlights the importance of residents’ vigilance in preventing potential threats.

Security experts note that abandoned vehicles and motorcycles are sometimes linked to crime or used as tools for criminal activities, making quick evacuation and investigation critical.

About So-Safe Corps

The So-Safe Corps was established by the Ogun State government to support law enforcement agencies, promote public safety, and encourage community participation in security. The corps often partners with residents’ associations to detect and address security concerns.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered over N5 billion and $10 million from contractors and officials implicated in the failed turnaround maintenance of Nigeria’s refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna, and Warri.

According to reliable sources, the anti-graft agency is pursuing an additional N10 billion and $13 million allegedly siphoned through inflated contracts awarded for the rehabilitation projects.

Olukoyede leads investigation personally

The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, is said to have taken direct control of the investigation. Insiders noted his frustration over the non-functional state of Nigeria’s refineries despite billions of dollars allocated for their rehabilitation.

Nigeria’s four state-owned refineries have remained largely dormant for decades, forcing the country to depend heavily on imported petroleum products.

Billions of dollars have been budgeted across successive governments for their revival, yet the facilities in Warri, Kaduna, and Port Harcourt continue to underperform.

Billions released, little to show

The EFCC is probing funds previously approved for the projects, including:

$1.55 billion for the Port Harcourt refinery

$740 million for the Kaduna refinery

$656 million for the Warri refinery

Top EFCC investigators revealed that fraudulent practices such as over-invoicing, contract inflation, and questionable payments were responsible for the refineries’ persistent failures.

Suspects grilled, charges expected

Sources confirmed that both serving and former management teams of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the three refineries had been repeatedly interrogated.

One EFCC source said:

“Our investigation into the turnaround maintenance of the nation’s refineries in Warri, Kaduna and Port Harcourt has yielded major discoveries of large-scale fraud. Investigators discovered fraudulent dealings through over-invoicing, contract inflation and questionable payments were largely responsible for the malfunctioning of the refineries. A total sum of $10m and N5bn have so far been recovered from suspects indicted in the fraud.”

The source added that charges are imminent:

“Investigations are already concluded on some officials of the NNPCL involved in the rehabilitation contracts and the commission is ready to file charges against them. Both former management and present management of the NNPCL and refineries may be charged.”

More funds under recovery

Another senior EFCC official disclosed that more recoveries were underway:

“While we have recovered some money, another $13m and N10bn discovered to be siphoned through contractors engaged in the maintenance are due to be recovered.”

The official further revealed that the agency is investigating fresh allegations of contract inflation worth about $40 million, allegedly involving NNPCL officials and contractors.

Silence from EFCC spokesperson

Efforts to reach the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, were unsuccessful as calls and text messages were not returned.

However, a senior official, speaking off the record, confirmed the recoveries made so far.

Background

Nigeria’s state-owned refineries have long been a symbol of public sector inefficiency and corruption. Despite over four decades of promises and billions of dollars spent, the refineries have failed to operate at full capacity.

The latest EFCC investigation could mark a turning point, as Nigerians continue to endure fuel import dependence, rising energy costs, and distrust over government handling of public resources.

Credit: The punch