EFCC Declaring Haske Wanted an Abuse of Process – Lawyer
The lawyer to entrepreneur and investor, Bashir Abdullahi Haske, has described the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) decision to declare his client wanted as illegal, malicious, and a violation of due process.
The EFCC had on August 21, 2025, declared Haske wanted over alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering, urging the public to report his whereabouts to the nearest police station or EFCC office.
However, his lawyer, Nkemakolam Okoro of Ubani & Co, condemned the Commission’s action, insisting that it undermines judicial authority and disregards an ongoing motion before the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to set aside the arrest warrant obtained against Haske.
He said Haske has consistently demonstrated his willingness to cooperate with the EFCC and relevant authorities. He said Haske honoured the Commission’s invitation in July and has continued to abide by all directives, including providing medical documentation following health complications during his detention.
“It is concerning that, despite his compliance, an arrest warrant was sought and obtained before his agreed return date.
“We have approached the court and filed a motion to vacate and set aside the warrant that was obtained by misrepresentation, concealment of material facts, and in breach of his constitutional rights to a fair hearing.”
The legal experts maintain that the action is a grave violation of the court order.
“The order issued on August 8, 2025, was specifically for his arrest, not for him to be declared wanted. EFCC’s duty was to attempt execution of the arrest and, if unsuccessful, report its inability back to the court. By bypassing this legal duty, the Commission acted in contempt of due process and undermined judicial authority, especially given that the warrant itself is under legal challenge.
“The declaration was malicious, defamatory, and calculated to tarnish Mr. Haske’s hard-earned reputation. The action was unnecessary, given that no charges have been filed against him and he has consistently demonstrated willingness to cooperate with investigators.
“It is trite law that where a court order is obtained by deceit or suppression of facts, the court has the inherent jurisdiction to set it aside ex debito justitiae.”
“For Mr. Haske, a businessman with verifiable business records, the EFCC’s conduct smacks of bad faith. The board of his company maintains that all contracts executed were duly awarded, executed, and paid for lawfully, contrary to EFCC’s misleading narrative.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
