Ex-lawmaker urges EFCC to reopen Atiku’s alleged financial crimes case
A former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to reopen its investigation into allegations against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar related to financial misconduct that dates back to 2006.
Agbonayinma submitted his petition to the EFCC on August 27, 2026, with official acknowledgment of receipt on September 1. The petition was filed through his legal representative, Chief Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, SAN.
Following the submission, Agbonayinma visited the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, to reaffirm his petition and respond to inquiries from the commission’s investigators.
In his request, Agbonayinma urged the commission to revisit previous investigations regarding Abubakar’s alleged financial activities, including a report released by a U.S. Senate subcommittee in 2010.
After his meeting with the EFCC, Agbonayinma emphasized the need for continued action, asserting that public officials must be held accountable under the same laws that apply to all citizens. “The laws are meant for both the rich and the poor,” he said, insisting that the findings from past investigations should remain accessible to the public.
His petition explicitly requests the commission to review its September 2006 findings on Abubakar and the Senate’s 2010 report. Agbonayinma claimed that the EFCC had previously noted that Abubakar could face prosecution following his term as vice president when his constitutional immunity would expire; however, he stated that no such prosecution had occurred.
Describing the lack of action as a failure of the EFCC to fulfill its duties, Agbonayinma urged the agency to reassess the case and decide on the necessary next steps. He expressed the belief that renewed focus on this issue would reinforce the principle that no one, regardless of political influence, should escape accountability under the law.
Additionally, Agbonayinma disclosed that he has submitted a separate petition to U.S. President Donald Trump concerning the allegations.
