ABUJA — Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has resumed its review of financial crime allegations concerning former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following a fresh petition by former lawmaker Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma.
The petition seeks to reactivate an investigation that originated two decades ago during the tenure of former EFCC Chairman Nuhu Ribadu. It also draws upon findings published in a February 2010 report by a United States Senate Subcommittee.
Lawmaker Affirms Petition at EFCC Headquarters
Speaking after testifying before investigators at the agency’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, Agbonayinma confirmed that the EFCC officially received his petition on September 1, 2026. Submitted through Senior Advocate of Nigeria Chief Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, the petition urges the commission to act on past investigative findings that were previously put on hold.
Agbonayinma stressed that the rule of law must apply equally to all citizens regardless of political stature, asserting that completed investigations into public officials should lead to legal resolution rather than being shelved. He noted that while the agency had previously signaled intentions to prosecute Atiku after his tenure ended and constitutional immunity lapsed, no further legal action took place.
In addition to engaging local authorities, the former House of Representatives member disclosed that he has sent a formal petition regarding the case to US President Donald Trump.
As of filing, officials from the anti-graft agency have yet to issue a formal statement regarding the progress of the investigation.
