The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) has vehemently refused to act on the “wanted” alert issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) againstBashir Haske, a businessman and son-in-law of former vice president, Atiku Abubakar.
On Wednesday, the EFCC issued declared Haske wanted over alleged money laundering, despite a court order restraining the agency from doing so.
The anti-graft agency then urged Nigerians to provide relevant information for his arrest. It also shared last addresses the suspect was last seen and contacts of its offices nationwide.
However, Interpol explained in a statement on Friday that its rules forbid involvement in cases driven by political, religious, racial, or military motives.
“Interpol will not help any member country pursue politically motivated cases,” the France-based body said, adding that it was aware of Mr. Abubakar’s position as Nigeria’s top opposition figure.
Reports suggest the move was part of wider political pressure, with Haske’s ties to Atiku being used as a tool in a power struggle over the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC).
