France-based international police organisation (INTERPOL) has declined to act on a wanted notice issued by Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, against Bashir Haske, a Lagos businessman and son-in-law of opposition leader Atiku Abubakar.
According to INTERPOL, it does not handle cases that appear politically motivated.
The EFCC had declared Haske wanted over alleged money laundering on Thursday, despite a federal court order that would restrict such actions.
Sources said the agency’s move may be linked to Haske’s marriage to Atiku’s daughter and an attempt to influence leadership at Nigeria’s state oil company, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).
Interpol stated that it only issues Red Notices for matters that comply with its rules and constitution, which prevent targeting individuals for political, religious, racial, or military reasons.
The organisation also said that member countries must submit requests that respect the rights of suspects.
“Please note that Interpol has no plans to help member countries to advance politically-motivated cases.
“Please note that INTERPOL will only issue a Red Notice if it complies with the organisation’s rules and Constitution, which notably forbids INTERPOL from issuing a Notice on political, religious, racial or military grounds,” the global law enforcement body said in a statement on Friday, according to Peoples Gazette
Haske’s current location is unknown, and it is believed he may have left Nigeria following his brief detention last month.
