Interpol shuts down EFCC’s move against Atiku’s son-in-law, says trial ‘politically motivated’
The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) has turned down a request by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to issue a wanted alert against Lagos businessman, Bashir Haske, describing the move as “politically motivated.”
In a statement released on Friday from its headquarters in Lyon, France, the global security agency made it clear that it would not be drawn into what it considered a political battle, reports Gwg.com.
“Please note that Interpol has no plans to help member countries advance politically-motivated cases,” the organisation said. It further reminded member nations that its constitution bars it from acting on requests that are political, religious, racial, or military in nature.
“INTERPOL will only issue a Red Notice if it complies with the organisation’s rules and Constitution, which notably forbids such actions on political, religious, racial or military grounds,” the statement added.
Haske, a close ally and son-in-law of Nigeria’s opposition leader, Atiku Abubakar, was declared wanted by the EFCC on Thursday night. The commission, under its embattled chairman Ola Olukoyede, accused him of money laundering.
Haske’s marriage to Atiku’s daughter is seen as a key factor in the political undertones, especially as Atiku has recently been central to forming a new opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.
