Atiku’s Son-in-law’s Lawyers Challenge EFCC ‘Wanted’ Declaration, Allege Illegal Action.

ABUJA — The legal team representing Abdullahi Bashir Haske, the son-in-law of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has challenged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for declaring him a wanted person. The lawyers argue that the anti-graft agency's action is illegal and constitutes an abuse of process, particularly because a court motion is currently pending to challenge the validity of an existing arrest warrant.

The EFCC had earlier issued a public notice through its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, asking for information on Haske in connection with alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

Legal Team Alleges Misrepresentation of Facts

In a statement signed by Haske’s lead counsel, Nkemakolam Okoro, the legal team described the EFCC's declaration as a "blatant act of illegality." Okoro stated that his client has shown a willingness to cooperate with the commission, having honored an invitation in July. He added that Haske had submitted medical records after experiencing health complications while in detention.

Okoro accused the EFCC of obtaining an arrest warrant before Haske's agreed-upon return date. He asserted that a motion has been filed with the Federal High Court, Abuja, to "vacate and set aside" the arrest warrant, arguing it was obtained through "misrepresentation and suppression of material facts."

"The order issued on August 8 was specifically for his arrest, not for him to be declared wanted," Okoro said. He further explained that where a court order is obtained through deceit, the court has the inherent power to set it aside.