By Our Correspondent
ABUJA – A former National Vice-Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Ntufam Hilliard Eta, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to reopen investigations into alleged financial dealings involving former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Eta made the call at a press conference in Abuja, where he urged the anti-graft agency and other relevant authorities to thoroughly examine petitions and allegations concerning the former Vice-President and prosecute him if evidence of criminal wrongdoing is established.
He said a recent petition reportedly submitted to the EFCC on September 1, 2026, called for the reopening of financial-crime allegations dating back to investigations conducted around 2005 and 2006.
Eta also cited a 2010 report by the United States Senate which examined suspicious financial transactions involving individuals connected to Atiku.
He, however, stressed that the report was not a criminal conviction against Atiku, saying the allegations should be independently examined by competent Nigerian authorities.
According to him, the US Senate investigation examined the movement of more than $40m into the United States between 2000 and 2008 through offshore corporations and accounts allegedly associated with Jennifer Douglas, Atiku’s wife.
He said the report indicated that about $25m was transferred by offshore corporations into US bank accounts opened by Douglas.
Eta further referred to allegations concerning payments linked to Siemens AG, saying the US Senate report examined claims that Douglas received at least $1.7m in alleged bribe payments connected to the company.
He also raised questions over about $14m transferred by offshore corporations to the American University of Nigeria in connection with consulting services relating to the establishment of the institution.
The former APC acting national chairman said the allegations must not be presented as established facts, but argued that their appearance in official investigations, petitions, court filings and public records provided sufficient grounds for a fresh examination.
He said, “I am not asking anybody to convict Atiku Abubakar in the court of public opinion. I am asking that the evidence be subjected to the court of law.
“If there is no case, let the appropriate institution say so after examining the evidence. If there is insufficient evidence, let Nigerians be told.
“But if credible evidence establishes that offences were committed, then the law must take its course. No politician should be above the law.”
Eta also recalled allegations made in Nigeria in 2023 concerning the alleged use of companies and bank accounts as Special Purpose Vehicles to divert or misappropriate public funds during Atiku’s tenure as Vice-President between 1999 and 2007.
The allegations, which were attributed to Michael Achimugu, a former aide to Atiku, led to a petition by then Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, to the EFCC, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Code of Conduct Bureau.
Eta said the allegations bordered on money laundering, criminal breach of trust, criminal misappropriation, conspiracy and possible breaches of the Code of Conduct for public officers.
He urged the EFCC to obtain relevant financial records, invite persons connected with the allegations, trace the money where necessary and establish the facts without fear or favour.
The former APC official also cautioned against allowing the matter to become political ammunition ahead of the 2027 elections.
“We should not prosecute a man because we dislike his politics. Neither should we refuse to prosecute a man because we support his politics,” he said.
The APC Chieftain said the issue should be determined by evidence and due process, rather than political affiliation.
He added, “Was a crime committed? Is there admissible evidence? Who was responsible? And does the evidence meet the threshold required by law?
“If the answer is yes, prosecution should follow. If the answer is no, the matter should be closed.”
He called on Nigerians to support equal justice and institutional accountability, insisting that no politician should enjoy immunity from lawful scrutiny.
“This is not a call for mob justice. It is not a call for political persecution. It is not a call for conviction without trial.
“It is a call for something much more fundamental: Let the evidence speak. Let the institutions investigate. Let the courts decide,” Eta stated.