ABUJA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reopened its investigation into allegations against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following a petition by former House of Representatives member, Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, seeking his prosecution over alleged financial crimes.
The petition seeks to revive a case dating back to 2006, urging the anti-graft agency to revisit its earlier investigation under former EFCC chairman Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and consider a subsequent report by a United States Senate subcommittee.
Agbonayinma disclosed that the EFCC had acknowledged his petition, dated August 27, 2026, and received on September 1, 2026.
Filed through his lawyer, Chief Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, SAN, the petition asks the commission to reactivate its earlier report and take appropriate action on the allegations against the former vice president.
The former lawmaker visited the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, where he adopted the petition and answered questions from investigators.
Agbonayinma Calls for Action on Atiku Petition
Speaking on the development, Agbonayinma insisted that the matter should not remain unresolved, stressing that the law must apply equally to all Nigerians, regardless of their social status or political influence.
“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, the former lawmaker urged the EFCC to revisit its September 2006 report on Atiku and a February 4, 2010, report by the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
He argued that the two documents should provide a basis for renewed scrutiny of the allegations and any further action deemed appropriate by the commission.
The petition further alleged that the EFCC had previously indicated that Atiku could face prosecution after leaving office as vice-president, when his constitutional immunity ceased to apply.
However, Agbonayinma claimed that no prosecution followed, describing the alleged failure to act as a dereliction of duty.
He maintained that revisiting the matter would demonstrate the EFCC’s commitment to accountability and its determination to investigate allegations involving politically influential individuals.
Former Lawmaker Also Petitions Donald Trump
Agbonayinma also disclosed that he had petitioned United States President Donald Trump over the allegations against the former vice president.
The disclosure adds an international dimension to his renewed effort to draw attention to the case, although the details of the US petition and any response to it were not provided in the information available.
The EFCC’s response to the latest petition remains a key outstanding issue.
As of the time of filing this report, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale had yet to respond to messages seeking an update on the investigation.
EFCC Response Awaited
The renewed petition places the spotlight on the EFCC’s handling of the allegations and whether the commission will take further steps after reviewing the documents submitted by Agbonayinma.
However, the petition and the allegations it contains do not, by themselves, establish criminal wrongdoing by Atiku Abubakar. Any determination of liability would depend on the evidence and applicable legal process.
Further developments will depend on the commission’s assessment of the petition and any official statement it may issue on the status of the case.