The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reopened an investigation into allegations of financial impropriety involving former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar following a petition by former House of Representatives member Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma.
Agbonayinma is asking the anti-graft agency to revisit its 2006 investigation into allegations against Atiku and consider a subsequent report by a United States Senate subcommittee.
The petition, dated August 27, 2026, was received by the EFCC on September 1 through the petitioner’s lawyer, Chief Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, SAN.
Agbonayinma appeared at the commission’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, where he formally adopted the petition and responded to questions from investigators.
Speaking on the development, the former lawmaker said the matter should not be left unresolved, arguing that the law should apply equally to influential individuals and ordinary citizens.
“I want to thank Nigerians, the EFCC, and those praying for me in this struggle. The laws are meant for both the rich and the poor. After the EFCC has done a fantastic job, it should not be kept under the table,” he said.
In the petition, Agbonayinma urged the commission to review its September 2006 report on Atiku alongside a February 4, 2010, report by the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
He alleged that the EFCC had previously indicated that prosecution could be considered after Atiku left office as vice-president and ceased to enjoy the constitutional immunity associated with the office. However, the petitioner claimed that no prosecution followed.
Agbonayinma described the alleged failure to pursue the matter as a dereliction of duty and said renewed action would demonstrate the commission’s commitment to accountability, regardless of political status.
He also disclosed that he had petitioned US President Donald Trump over the allegations.
The renewed investigation follows earlier public attention to the 2010 US Senate report, which examined suspicious financial transfers involving Atiku’s family and other foreign-linked individuals. The report itself did not result in criminal charges against Atiku, according to AFP Fact Check.
The EFCC had yet to respond to messages seeking further details on the current investigation at the time of Vanguard’s report.
The allegations remain subject to investigation and should not be treated as proof of criminal wrongdoing by Atiku.
