The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has received a fresh petition urging it to reopen allegations of financial misconduct against former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, reviving a controversy dating back two decades as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.
As reported by Leadership, the petition was submitted by a former member of the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, who asked the anti-graft agency to revisit its earlier investigation and consider findings contained in a report by a United States Senate subcommittee.
Agbonayinma said the commission acknowledged his petition, dated August 27, 2026, after receiving it on September 1. The document was submitted through his lawyer, Chief Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
The former lawmaker reportedly visited the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, where he formally adopted the petition and answered questions from investigators concerning the allegations.
Speaking on the development, Agbonayinma maintained that the matter should not be allowed to remain unresolved, insisting that the law must apply equally to Nigerians, irrespective of their wealth, influence or political standing.
“I want to thank Nigerians, the EFCC, and those praying for me in this struggle. The laws are meant for both the rich and the poor. After the EFCC has done a fantastic job, it should not be kept under the table,” he said.
In the petition, he urged the commission to revisit its September 2006 report on the allegations against Atiku, alongside a February 4, 2010, report by the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, arguing that the documents warranted renewed scrutiny.
Agbonayinma further alleged that the EFCC had previously indicated that prosecution could be considered after Atiku left office as vice-president and ceased to enjoy constitutional immunity.
He described the alleged failure to pursue the matter as a dereliction of duty and disclosed that he had also petitioned United States President Donald Trump over the issue.
However, the EFCC had yet to publicly clarify the current status of the matter as of the time of filing the report, with its spokesman, Dele Oyewale, yet to respond to messages seeking comment.
The fresh petition does not, in itself, establish wrongdoing by Atiku or indicate that the commission has decided to prosecute him.
Source: Leadership
