Interpol has dismissed EFCC’s wanted notice for Bashir Haske, citing political bias and constitutional violations.
The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) has said it will not honour a wanted notice issued by Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, EFCC, against Lagos businessman Bashir Haske, son-in-law to opposition leader Atiku Abubakar.
In a statement on Friday, Interpol said its constitution prohibits actions with political undertones. “Please note that INTERPOL will only issue a Red Notice if it complies with the organisation’s rules and Constitution, which notably forbids INTERPOL from issuing a Notice on political, religious, racial or military grounds,” the France-based agency said. It added: “Please note that Interpol has no plans to help member countries to advance politically-motivated cases.”
The EFCC had declared Haske wanted Thursday night over alleged money laundering, despite a subsisting court order against such action. Peoples Gazette reported the move as part of a broader effort to weaponise Haske’s marriage to Atiku’s daughter in a power struggle linked to NNPC leadership.
Interpol’s swift rejection underscores the loss of credibility surrounding the EFCC, which has long faced criticism for partisan practices and weak prosecutions.