A pro-transparency group, Accountability Watch, has dismissed as delay tactics, claims by Mr Bashir Abdullahi Haske, a businessman under Economic And Financial Crimes (EFCC)’s investigation, that he is not running from justice, but has gone away to receive medical attention.
The pro-accountability group charged the businessman, who is being investigated for multi-million dollars financial crimes, to submit himself to EFCC for investigation if his claims of ill-health and medical attention are not mere ploys to frustrate or evade justice.
Mr Haske, in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of his office in Abuja on Tuesday, had denied EFCC’s initial allegation that he ran away to evade investigation and justice. He said contrary to EFCC’s claims, he voluntarily honoured the anti-graft agency’s invitation, appeared before investigators and provided comprehensive answers to all questions.
“I am not on the run. I am committed to clearing my name and cooperating with lawful investigations. All I ask is that EFCC conducts its duties within the ambit of the rule of law and without political interference,” he said.
The statement further noted: “The attention of Mr Bashir Abdullahi Haske has been drawn to recent allegations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accusing him of involvement in multi-million dollar fraud and claiming that he is evading justice under the guise of a medical emergency.”
He said he “wishes to set the record straight,” alleging that EFCC denied him administrative bail, even after he satisfied all conditions imposed.
He also alleged that he was unlawfully detained, during which his health deteriorated severely, resulting in a near-fatal collapse in custody, adding that it was only after the commission was allegedly confronted with the grave implications of his possible death in detention that he was hurriedly released on bail.
Reacting to his claims, Accountability Watch, through its Executive Secretary, Dr Benjamin Asan, noted that Haske should allow EFCC investigators to gain access to him even if he is in a hospital bed unless he’s running from justice.
The group wondered why anybody who is called to order for malfeasance would always resort to blackmailing the anti-graft commission.
It said the EFCC is not a political party but an organisation whose duty it is to tackle corruption in the country and bring culprits to justice.
The group also stated that what the EFCC is doing is simply to investigate and possibly file charges before a competent court which has the powers to convict or acquit any suspect or defendant.
“It is right to seek medical attention if and when anyone requires it, but that should not be done in such a way as to disrupt or frustrate a multi million dollars fraud.
“If Mr Haske is not on the run, or in a desperate attempt to frustrate the ongoing investigation, he should disclose his hiding place and give EFCC investigators free and easy access to his current location. He should make himself available for questioning if he has nothing to hide.
“Only then will his claim of cooperating with Nigerian authorities be real,” Accountability Watch said.
Credit: The Sun