Former Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye has issued a warning to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against inviting former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar for questioning over longstanding allegations of financial crimes.
Melaye made the remarks at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) All Support Groups town hall meeting in Abuja while reacting to calls for the anti-graft agency to reopen investigations involving Atiku.
He argued that the former vice-president had faced several investigations over the years without being convicted, insisting that another probe could be viewed as politically motivated ahead of the 2027 elections.
Dino Melaye sends warning over Atiku investigation
Speaking at the gathering, Melaye said, “Atiku was part of the government that created the EFCC. You cannot use the EFCC to torment the creator of the EFCC.”
He further warned against inviting or arresting the former vice-president, saying, “Invite Atiku and see trouble.”
Melaye’s comments followed a petition by former House of Representatives member Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma asking the EFCC to reopen investigations and prosecute Atiku over alleged financial crimes.
The petition reportedly referenced an EFCC investigation concerning Atiku between 2005 and 2006, as well as a 2010 report by the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
Atiku responds to renewed allegations
Atiku has previously rejected calls for the allegations to be reopened, maintaining that the issues had already been examined by different institutions and the courts.
The allegations referenced in the petition have not resulted in a criminal conviction against the former vice-president.
Meanwhile, the EFCC has not publicly announced whether it will act on the petition seeking a fresh investigation into Atiku.
