Atiku Accuses EFCC Of Targeting Anti-Tinubu Critics Over Ex-Kano Lawmaker’s Arrest
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the arrest and detention of ex-lawmaker Hon. Muhammad Kazaure by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), describing it as politically motivated and a violation of due process.
In a statement personally signed and released on Saturday, Atiku alleged that the EFCC, under the current administration, has turned into a tool for political persecution, especially against critics of President Bola Tinubu.
“The EFCC has once again plunged headlong into its well-worn pattern of lawlessness, arresting and detaining citizens with brazen disregard for due process and without offering any justification for its actions,” the statement read.
Kazaure, who represented Kazaure, Roni, Gwiwa, and Yankwashi Federal Constituency in Jigawa State, was reportedly arrested in Kano during the week and taken to Abuja.
His family and lawyers claim he has since been held incommunicado without charges.
Kazaure is well known for his fiery criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, often accusing it of corruption, poor governance, and democratic backsliding.
“We are left with no choice but to conclude that Kazaure’s ordeal is a direct consequence of his fearless and unrelenting criticism of this administration,” Atiku said.
“This government’s hypocrisy is as staggering as it is shameless: while it strikes cosy deals with politically connected figures tainted by corruption, it unleashes the machinery of the state to harass and silence its critics.”
Atiku also cited the case of popular social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, saying his release only came after intense public pressure.
“This is not the first time we are witnessing such abuse. His release only came after massive public outrage and pressure. This continued pattern of impunity must end.”
Citing Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution, Atiku stressed that all government agencies must operate within the law.
“Let it be stated without equivocation: even if there were legitimate grounds for arresting any citizen, such action must adhere strictly to the rule of law.
“The EFCC is duty-bound to publicly disclose the reasons for any arrest and must not detain individuals indefinitely under the guise of investigation.
“The Nigerian people are watching. And history will not forget,” he concluded
The EFCC is yet to comment on the matter.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
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