Bashir Abdullahi Haske, the son-in-law to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and businessman, has dismissed reports alleging that he’s evading arrest after being declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over alleged multi-million-dollar money laundering.
TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) recalls that the anti-graft agency had issued an official notice declaring Haske wanted for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
However, reacting, Haske through his media office described the EFCC’s action as a politically motivated witch-hunt, insisting that he has nothing to hide.
He stated that, contrary to the claims made by the EFCC, he had complied with their invitation, appeared before the investigators, and submitted both oral and documentary evidence to validate the legitimacy of his financial transactions.
Haske further alleged that despite his cooperation, the EFCC denied him administrative bail even after he met all the stringent conditions.
He claimed he was unlawfully detained until his health deteriorated, which nearly led to a collapse while in custody. According to him, he was finally released on bail only when concerns over his worsening medical condition raised fears for his survival, and he is currently receiving treatment..
“It is therefore shocking and disingenuous for EFCC to now claim I am ‘running away’ when they are well aware that my health crisis was precipitated by their own misconduct,” he stated.
The businessman further maintained that he is not a politician and has no political ambitions, adding that attempts to drag him into political controversies because of his marital ties were unfair and unlawful.
He accused the EFCC of attempting to misuse Interpol for political ends, stressing that the international body itself had repeatedly stated that it does not intervene in matters tainted by political witch-hunting.
Reaffirming his willingness to cooperate with lawful investigations, Haske said: “I am not on the run. I am committed to clearing my name and cooperating with lawful investigations. All I ask is that EFCC conducts its duties within the ambit of the rule of law and without political interference.”