The Presidency, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has reiterated that “no one is above the law” in response to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) manhunt for businessman Abdullahi Bashir Haske, founder of AA&R Investment Group and son-in-law to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Haske was declared wanted by the EFCC for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering. Speaking through Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Sunday Dare, the Tinubu administration stressed that the EFCC was acting within its statutory mandate.
“There is no harassment or victimisation here, only the independent and lawful operation of Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions. No one is above the law,” Dare told PUNCH. He added that attempts to politicise the arrest were unfounded, and that the administration remains committed to strengthening the rule of law and ensuring due process.
According to SaharaReporters, Haske was initially detained and had his passport seized, but he reportedly escaped using another passport. EFCC has called on the public to provide information regarding his whereabouts.

The manhunt comes amid growing public scrutiny of alleged mismanagement and corruption at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). In June, the Coalition of Nigerian Patriots for Good Governance announced planned protests over a N5.7 billion consultancy contract awarded by NNPCL to Haske’s firm without competitive bidding, public tender, or compliance with procurement regulations.
The group described the contract as “a loot in broad daylight,” highlighting that the funds could have been used to address pressing national issues, such as healthcare, education, rural infrastructure, and youth employment. “N5.7 billion, nearly $4 million at today’s rates, was signed away behind closed doors while hospitals go without equipment, schools lack basic infrastructure, and millions cannot afford a single meal a day,” the coalition stated.
In addition, NNPCL has been accused of extravagant spending on executive retreats. Earlier reports revealed that under GCEO Bayo Ojulari, the NNPCL board booked five private jets and the Kigali Marriott Hotel for a management retreat in Rwanda, coordinated by Bashir Haske, shortly after the Senate questioned the company’s audited accounts.
The Presidency maintains that EFCC’s operations, including the ongoing investigation of Haske, are lawful and independent. Sunday Dare emphasised that unlike previous administrations, the Tinubu government does not weaponise state institutions for political purposes.
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