Bashir Abdullahi Haske, son-in-law to former Vice-president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has pushed back at allegations of fraud and evasion of justice the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), levelled against him.
The EFCC is investigating the Group Managing Director of AA&R Investment Group, over claim that he was involved in some fraudulent practices in the oil and gas industry.
It also accused Haske of dodging investigation on the pretext of having health issue over which he escaped out of the country.
Reacting to the claims in a statement he released, the Atiku’s son-in-law denied the corruption charge.
He equally pushed back at claim that he lied about his health saying he honoured the anti-graft’s invitation but was denied bail despite meeting the conditions until he had issues with his health in custody.
He declared this by proxy via a statement released on his behalf, which reads partly: “He is presently undergoing medical treatment for complications that were directly caused by this unlawful detention. It is, therefore, shocking and disingenuous for EFCC to now claim he is ‘running away’ when they know his medical situation was precipitated by their own misconduct.
“Mr. Haske is a private businessman with no political ambition or involvement. He is neither a politician nor a supporter of any political actor. His marriage to a political figure cannot and should not be exploited as a pretext for persecution.”
Haske reiterated that he is not fleeing from justice, stating that he remains ready and willing to provide any information legitimately sought by the EFCC, provided such inquiries are conducted in an atmosphere free from intimidation, harassment, and political manipulation.
