Agbonayinma Urges EFCC to Reopen Alleged Financial Crimes Case Against Atiku
Agbonayinma Urges EFCC to Reopen Alleged Financial Crimes Case Against Atiku
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Nnanna Wisdom
ABUJA, NIGERIA — Former member of the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to reopen and investigate an alleged financial crimes case involving former Vice President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Agbonayinma, who represented Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency of Edo State in the House of Representatives, made the demand in a statement issued on Thursday.
He argued that occupying or seeking public office should not prevent any individual from being investigated where credible allegations of financial misconduct exist.
According to Agbonayinma, the matter involving Atiku was reportedly reviewed by the EFCC several years ago but was subsequently stalled. He urged the anti-graft agency to retrieve the relevant case files and determine whether there are grounds for renewed investigation and possible prosecution.
He maintained that the EFCC has a responsibility to examine credible petitions and allegations irrespective of the political status, popularity or ambitions of the individuals involved.
Agbonayinma said Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign could lose public confidence if high-profile cases are abandoned whenever individuals named in them become politically influential.
“The law must be blind to party, position and popularity,” he said.
The former lawmaker urged the EFCC to invite relevant witnesses, examine available documentary evidence and take appropriate legal action if sufficient evidence is established.
He also called for any renewed investigation to be conducted transparently and professionally, stressing that the courts should ultimately determine the facts and legal responsibility arising from the matter.
Agbonayinma said the objective should not be to convict anyone in the court of public opinion but to ensure that allegations of financial crimes are properly investigated and resolved through due process.
The demand comes against the backdrop of increasing political activity ahead of Nigeria’s forthcoming electoral contests, with Atiku currently identified as the presidential candidate of the ADC.
The call is therefore likely to attract political attention, particularly as questions surrounding accountability, transparency and the credibility of political candidates remain prominent in public discourse.
Agbonayinma, however, maintained that his demand was motivated by the need for transparency and institutional accountability rather than partisan considerations.
He said anti-corruption agencies must be able to investigate politically exposed persons without fear or favour, arguing that equal application of the law was essential to strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system.
The former lawmaker further urged the EFCC to make its position on the alleged case known and clarify whether the matter remains active, was previously closed, or can legally be revisited based on available evidence.
As of press time, the EFCC had not issued an official response to Agbonayinma’s demand.
There was also no indication in the statement of any fresh charges filed against Atiku in connection with the allegation.
The call for renewed investigation is expected to generate further political debate, particularly over the timing of the demand and its potential implications for the ADC presidential campaign.
For now, the allegations remain claims made by Agbonayinma and should not be treated as established facts unless substantiated through an official investigation or judicial proceedings.
