The France-based International Police Organisation, INTERPOL, has reportedly refused to act on a wanted notice issued by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Lagos businessman, Bashir Haske, who is also the son-in-law of the former Vice President, Alh. Atiku Abubakar.
According to INTERPOL, the case appears politically motivated, and the organisation’s constitution strictly prohibits involvement in such matters.
The EFCC had on Thursday declared Haske wanted over alleged money laundering, despite an existing Federal High Court order that restricts such action. Sources, however, claim the move may be connected to Haske’s marriage to Atiku’s daughter and power tussles surrounding the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, (NNPC).
In a statement on Friday, the global law enforcement organization emphasised that it only issues Red Notices in cases that comply with its rules, stressing that it will not support requests that are politically driven.
“Please note that INTERPOL has no plans to help member countries advance politically motivated cases,” the organisation stated.
“A Red Notice will only be issued if it complies with Interpol’s Constitution, which notably forbids issuing notices on political, religious, racial, or military grounds.”
Haske’s current whereabouts remain unknown, though reports suggest he may have absconded from Nigeria after his brief detention last month.
