The legal team of Abdullahi Haske, an entrepreneur and investor from Adamawa, has criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for putting out a warrant declaring him wanted over alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering. They described the action as “a blatant act of illegality and abuse of process.”
In a press statement obtained by PUNCH Online on Friday night, Haske’s lead counsel, Mr. Nkemakolam Okoro, explained that there is a pending motion before the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging the validity of the arrest warrant issued by the EFCC.
The statement emphasized that despite Haske’s cooperation, the EFCC moved to declare him wanted.
Legal Actions and Allegations of Misconduct
Okoro stated that court documents show Haske has been willing to cooperate, including honoring invitations from the EFCC in July and providing medical documentation during detention due to health issues.
He condemned the EFCC’s move as wrongful, noting that an arrest warrant was obtained before Haske’s agreed return date.
The legal team filed a motion to vacate the warrant, citing reasons such as misrepresentation and concealment of material facts, which breach Haske’s constitutional right to a fair hearing.
He clarified that the court order issued on August 8 was solely for Haske’s arrest, not for him to be declared wanted.
Legal Principles and Public Notice
Okoro explained, “It is trite law that where a court order is obtained by deceit or suppression of facts, the court has the inherent jurisdiction to set it aside ex debito justitiae.”
The EFCC declared Haske wanted in connection with alleged conspiracy and money laundering, urging the public to assist in locating him.
In a statement by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the commission urged the public to report any information on Haske’s whereabouts to police stations or EFCC offices nationwide.
The statement included a photograph of Haske and called on the public’s cooperation.
