The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has denied claims by businessman Abdullahi Bashir Haske, son-in-law to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, that his rights were violated while in the agency’s custody.
Haske had alleged in a report by The Africa Report that he fell ill and collapsed during interrogation by the EFCC, which led to his hospitalisation. He has since filed a suit against the commission over the alleged violation.
Responding on Tuesday, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said the agency had not been served with any court processes.
“The EFCC has not been served the court proceedings. There is nothing to react on,” Oyewale said.
He dismissed Haske’s claims as baseless, adding, “Our facility is one of the best in the world. That is why some even ask the court to remand them in our custody rather than in prisons. His allegations are untenable. EFCC custody is not a death centre.”
The commission accused Haske, founder of AA & R Investment Group, of criminal conspiracy and money laundering, and declared him wanted after he allegedly breached the terms of his administrative bail and failed to honour further invitations.
In a notice signed by Oyewale, the EFCC urged anyone with information on Haske’s whereabouts to report to the nearest police station or EFCC office.
It also listed his last known addresses in Ikoyi and Victoria Island, Lagos.
Haske’s company, with interests in energy, agribusiness, logistics and ICT, has previously featured in investigations into alleged multimillion-dollar transfers from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
