The recent Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) action to declare Bashir Abdullahi Haske wanted has been described as an act of illegality and an abuse of process, especially in light of a pending motion before the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging the validity of the warrant of arrest earlier obtained by the Commission.
The EFCC had, on August 21, 2025, listed the Adamawa-born entrepreneur, industrialist, and investor wanted in connection with alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the public is urged to provide any information on Haske’s whereabouts to the nearest police station or EFCC offices across Nigeria.
His legal representative and partner, Ubani & Co, Nkemakolam Okoro, condemned the EFCC’s action, describing it as a grave violation of due process and a deliberate attempt to malign the reputation of 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.”
