EFCC Reopens Atiku Probe Over Fresh Petition

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reopened an investigation into allegations of financial misconduct involving former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar following a fresh petition seeking renewed action against him.

According to reports, the petition was submitted by former House of Representatives member Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma.

The petition, dated August 27 and received by the commission on September 1, asks the EFCC to revisit its investigation into allegations against Atiku dating back to 2005 and 2006. It also references a February 2010 report by the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.

Agbonayinma reportedly appeared at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, on October 12, where he formally adopted the petition and answered questions from investigators.

The former lawmaker is seeking renewed scrutiny of the earlier findings and has called on the anti-graft agency to determine whether further action is warranted.

However, Atiku has previously rejected the suggestion that he was shielded from scrutiny. In a statement reported by TheCable on September 5, the former vice-president maintained that the allegations had been examined by several institutions and stressed that no court had convicted him over them.

As of the latest reports, the EFCC had not publicly provided further details on the investigation, and no new criminal charges against Atiku had been confirmed.

The reopening of the investigation does not establish criminal wrongdoing, as the allegations remain subject to investigation and due process.