• Demands review of old investigation, says evidence should determine outcome
A coalition of civil society organisations has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate allegations concerning former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, insisting that the anti-graft agency should establish the facts and take appropriate action where evidence of wrongdoing is found.
The coalition, comprising the Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative, Guardians of Democracy and Development, Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, Civil Society Advocacy Group for Accountability and Probity, Independent Public Service and Accountability Watch, and Citizens for Good Governance, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Initiative, made the demand during a rally in Abuja.
The groups called on the EFCC to revisit relevant historical investigative materials concerning allegations against Atiku and examine any new evidence or petitions before the commission.
Addressing protesters and journalists, Convener of the coalition, Comrade Solomon Adodo, said the demand was for the EFCC to carry out its statutory responsibility without fear, favour or political interference.
“Our message to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is simple: Investigate credible allegations. Follow the evidence. Let the law take its course,” Adodo said.
The call comes amid renewed public attention to allegations concerning Atiku and an earlier EFCC investigation dating back to 2005–2006. A petition was reportedly submitted to the commission in August 2026 seeking a review of the matter.
The coalition questioned why allegations that had resurfaced through a fresh petition should not be examined if there was credible evidence requiring clarification.
According to the groups, the EFCC should establish what evidence exists, identify transactions requiring clarification, review the findings of previous investigations and determine whether new documents or information have emerged.
“If there is sufficient evidence of an offence, why should the law not be allowed to take its course?” the coalition asked.
The coalition called on the commission to acknowledge and transparently process properly submitted petitions, review relevant historical investigative materials and conduct further investigation where legally warranted.
It also urged the EFCC to invite persons whose testimony or clarification may be necessary, including Atiku, as part of the investigative process.
The groups further demanded that where admissible evidence establishes a prosecutable offence, the commission should proceed in accordance with the law.
They, however, said where allegations are not substantiated after investigation, the EFCC should make its findings known transparently to prevent continued reliance on rumours and political speculation.
The coalition maintained that accountability must apply to public officials and private citizens alike, arguing that political status should not determine whether allegations are investigated.
“A public figure must neither be above the law nor below the law. The same standard must apply to everyone — politicians, former public officials, businessmen, civil servants and ordinary citizens,” it said.
The groups also urged the EFCC to resist political pressure and allow evidence to determine the outcome of the matter.
“To the leadership of the EFCC therefore, we say: Do your job. Follow the money where the evidence leads. Follow the facts where the facts lead. And follow the law wherever the law leads,” Adodo said.
The coalition said its demand was ultimately about the integrity of Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions and the consistent application of the law.
It urged the EFCC not to shield anyone from legitimate investigation, just as it warned against determining guilt through media reports rather than through evidence and established legal processes.
“Our message today is: Investigate Atiku where there is credible evidence. Investigate anyone else connected thereto, where there is credible evidence. Prosecute only where the evidence and law justify prosecution. Clear the innocent through due process,” the coalition said.
The groups concluded by calling for “no sacred cows, no political immunity and no selective justice,” insisting that evidence, due process and the rule of law should guide the EFCC’s handling of the allegations.