The legal team of Adamawa-born entrepreneur and investor, Abdullahi Bashir Haske, has faulted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for declaring him wanted over alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
Haske, who is also a son-in-law to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, was declared wanted by the EFCC last week. The agency, in a statement by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, urged members of the public to provide information that could aid his arrest, directing Nigerians to share credible tips with the nearest police station or EFCC office.
However, in a statement signed by his lead counsel, Nkemakolam Okoro, Haske’s lawyers described the commission’s action as “a blatant act of illegality and abuse of process.” They argued that a motion is already before the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging the validity of the arrest warrant obtained by the EFCC.
“The decision by the EFCC to declare Mr. Bashir Abdullahi Haske wanted is a blatant act of illegality and an abuse of process, especially in light of a pending motion before the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging the validity of the warrant of arrest,” the statement read.
Okoro further noted that court records show Haske had honoured the EFCC’s invitation in July and provided medical records following health complications during detention. He faulted the commission for obtaining an arrest warrant before Haske’s agreed return date, insisting that a motion had been filed to vacate the order, which he said was secured “by misrepresentation and suppression of material facts.”
“The order issued on August 8 was specifically for his arrest, not for him to be declared wanted. It is trite law that where a court order is obtained by deceit or suppression of facts, the court has the inherent jurisdiction to set it aside ex debito justitiae,” Okoro added.
