AS EFCC REOPENS ATIKU’S 20-YEAR-OLD FILE, LAWMAKER INSISTS “NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW”

…Agbonayinma asks anti-graft agency to revisit 2006 investigation, says findings must not be “kept under the table”

By Abu Adamu
Former House of Representatives member Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma has said his push for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to revisit allegations involving former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is driven by the principle that no Nigerian, regardless of wealth or political standing, should be considered above the law.

The EFCC has reopened an investigation into allegations involving Atiku following a fresh petition by Agbonayinma, reviving a matter that dates back about two decades.

Atiku, a former vice-president and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress for the 2027 election, has previously rejected the allegations against him, maintaining that he has never been convicted despite investigations by state institutions.

Agbonayinma, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, submitted the petition through his lawyer, Chief Hannibal Uwaifo, SAN. The petition is dated August 27, 2026, and was received by the EFCC on September 1.

It seeks a review of allegations arising from an earlier investigation conducted during the tenure of former EFCC Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

As part of the renewed investigative process, the EFCC invited Agbonayinma to its headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, on October 12, where he formally adopted his petition and answered questions from investigators.

The former lawmaker arrived at approximately 9:58 a.m. and left at about 4:07 p.m., after spending more than six hours with officials of the commission.

An EFCC acknowledgement bearing reference number CR:3000/EFCC/HQ/SDC-2/VOL.3/398 forms part of the documentation relating to the renewed investigation.

Speaking after his appearance, Agbonayinma said the central issue was not Atiku’s political status but whether allegations previously investigated by the anti-graft agency had been conclusively dealt with.

“The laws are meant for both the rich and the poor,” he said.

“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.”

Agbonayinma maintained that bringing alleged wrongdoing to the attention of the relevant authorities was part of his constitutional responsibility, insisting that no individual should be considered above the law.

He urged the EFCC to give the petition the attention it deserves and determine, on the basis of evidence and established legal procedures, whether further action is warranted.

The former lawmaker also disclosed that he had petitioned the United States President, Donald Trump, over the allegations, seeking international attention to the matter.

The renewed investigation brings fresh scrutiny to allegations dating back to Atiku’s years as vice-president as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress and is expected to face President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress and other candidates in the January 16, 2027 presidential election.

Atiku had earlier rejected the allegations and challenged anyone with evidence of wrongdoing against him to produce it, maintaining that previous investigations did not result in his conviction.