In response to recent statements by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleging that Bashir Haske is evading justice, his lawyer, Nkemakolam Okoro, a partner in the law firm of M.O. Ubani, SAN, in a letter refuted the claims and describes it as “ politically motivated claims.”
Haske has not absconded. “He voluntarily presented himself before the EFCC, fully cooperated with investigators, and submitted detailed documentation to support the legitimacy of his business operations and financial records,” the letter stated.
Despite his cooperation, EFCC denied him administrative bail, even after he satisfied the onerous conditions imposed. The lawyer said he was unlawfully detained, during which his health deteriorated severely, resulting in a near-fatal collapse in custody. “Only when confronted with the grave implications of his possible death in their custody did EFCC hurriedly release him on bail”.
Nkemakolam Okoro said Haske 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”.
Okoro further said that 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”.
Interpol itself has responsibly affirmed that political witch-hunting falls outside its mandate, yet EFCC has attempted to use the important body to further its unlawful and politically motivated campaign, the statement said.
“We call on the EFCC to return to its core duty of investigating real financial crimes — not turning private citizens into political pawns,” said Haske’s lawyer.
Haske reiterates his readiness to defend his integrity in any lawful and non-politicized forum, and urges the EFCC to uphold the principles of due process and the rule of law.
Haske, according to Okoro reiterates that he is not fleeing from justice. He remains ready and willing to provide any information legitimately sought by EFCC, provided such inquiries are conducted in an atmosphere free from intimidation, harassment, and political manipulation.
The lawyer urges EFCC to return to its lawful duty of fighting genuine financial crimes and to desist from weaponizing its mandate for political ends.
