A pro-transparency group, Accountability Watch, has dismissed as delay tactics, claims by Mr. Bashir Abdullahi Haske, a businessman under Economic And Financial Crimes (EFCC)’s investigation, that he is not running from justice, but has gone away to receive medical attention.
The pro-accountability group charged the businessman, who is being investigated for a multi-million dollars financial crimes, to submit himself to EFCC for investigation if his claims of ill-health and medical attention are not mere ploys to frustrate or evade justice.
Mr Haske, in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of his office in Abuja on Tuesday, had denied EFCC’s initial allegation that he ran away to evade investigation and justice.
He said contrary to EFCC’s claims, he voluntarily honoured the anti-graft agency’s invitation, appeared before investigators and provided comprehensive answers to all questions.
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“I am not on the run. I am committed to clearing my name and cooperating with lawful investigations. All I ask is that EFCC conducts its duties within the ambit of the rule of law and without political interference,” he said.
The statement further noted: “The attention of Mr. Bashir Abdullahi Haske has been drawn to recent allegations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accusing him of involvement in multi-million dollar fraud and claiming that he is evading justice under the guise of a medical emergency.”
He said he “wishes to set the record straight,” alleging that EFCC denied him administrative bail, even after he satisfied all conditions imposed.
He also alleged that he was unlawfully detained, during which his health deteriorated severely, resulting in a near-fatal collapse in custody.