Agbonayinma Cites 2006 EFCC Report, US Senate Investigation as Atiku Challenges Tinubu to Release Records
A former member of the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, has challenged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to reopen investigations into former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over alleged corruption or face legal action.
Agbonayinma, who represented Egor/Ikpoba-Okha Federal Constituency, based his demand on a 2006 EFCC report and a 2010 report by a United States Senate subcommittee.
In a letter dated August 27 and addressed to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, the former lawmaker alleged that the anti-graft agency had previously investigated Atiku over alleged grand corruption, money laundering and other financial crimes.
He argued that despite the EFCC’s reported commitment to prosecute Atiku after he left office as Vice President, no prosecution had followed.
Agbonayinma described the alleged failure to act as a dereliction of duty and urged the EFCC to reactivate its 2006 report alongside the US Senate report as a basis for prosecution.
He warned that if the commission failed to act within 14 days, his legal team would take legal action against the EFCC.
Atiku Challenges President Tinubu to Release Records
Responding to the renewed calls for his prosecution, Atiku dismissed the allegations as a political distraction and challenged President Bola Tinubu to make public records relating to allegations against him.
In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku said the allegations against him had been investigated through the EFCC, an administrative panel, the National Assembly and the courts during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration.
He maintained that no court had convicted him over the allegations and questioned what new evidence had emerged in 2026.
Atiku also challenged Tinubu to release records concerning allegations surrounding his past, arguing that those demanding transparency from him should equally subject themselves to scrutiny.
He accused the Tinubu administration of using decades-old allegations to divert attention from Nigerians’ economic difficulties, including rising food, transport, electricity, rent, education and healthcare costs.
Atiku said the EFCC should investigate genuine wrongdoing but warned against using state institutions as political weapons.
He maintained that the 2027 election would be decided by Nigerians based on the records of political actors, their living conditions and the future they offer the country.