Probe Atiku where evidence exists, CSOs tell EFCC - The Guardian Nigeria News

A coalition of civil society organisations has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate allegations of financial infractions involving former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, saying the anti-graft agency should follow the evidence wherever it leads.

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Transparency and Accountability made the demand yesterday at a rally in Abuja, insisting that the call was not for Atiku to be convicted in the court of public opinion but for any credible allegations against him to be subjected to due process.

The development follows a petition submitted to the EFCC by former member of the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, seeking the reopening and prosecution of alleged financial crimes involving Atiku during his tenure as vice-president.

The petition, dated August 27, 2026, and received by the EFCC on September 1, reportedly relied on an earlier investigation conducted by the commission between 2005 and 2006 and a September 2006 document titled The EFCC Report on Vice-President Abubakar Atiku (Full Report).

Speaking at the rally, Convener of the coalition, Comrade Solomon Adodo, said the group was demanding transparency, accountability and equal treatment before the law.

He said: “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 age of the allegations should not, by itself, prevent the appropriate authorities from examining them if credible evidence or a properly constituted petition had brought the matter back before the commission.

The coalition urged the EFCC to review the historical investigative materials as well as any new evidence presented to it, asking the commission to determine what evidence exists, what transactions require clarification and whether further investigation is warranted.

It also called on the commission to invite any person whose testimony or clarification was necessary, including Atiku, in accordance with due process.

The groups, however, stressed that the allegations should not be treated as proof of guilt, saying Atiku was entitled to the presumption of innocence and a fair process.

“If evidence establishes wrongdoing, prosecution should follow in accordance with the law. If evidence does not establish wrongdoing, the matter should be closed transparently and the public informed,” the coalition said.

The group said its demand was not for the EFCC to become an instrument of political persecution, but for an impartial, professional and evidence-based investigation.

It added that a public figure should neither be above nor below the law, arguing that the same standard should apply to politicians, former public officials, businessmen, civil servants and ordinary Nigerians.

The coalition consequently urged the EFCC to acknowledge and transparently process properly submitted petitions, review relevant historical investigative materials, conduct any further investigation legally warranted and proceed with prosecution where admissible evidence established an offence.

It also urged the commission to make its findings known if the allegations could not be substantiated, saying Nigerians should not be left to rely on rumours and political speculation.

The coalition said Nigeria could not effectively fight corruption if accountability was applied selectively.

“We cannot demand accountability from one political camp while excusing the other. We cannot build strong institutions if investigations depend on who is involved,” it said.

Addressing the EFCC leadership, the group said: “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.”

It also called on the commission not to be intimidated by political status or influenced by political pressure, while warning against shielding anyone from legitimate investigation or convicting anyone through media reports.

The coalition further addressed Atiku, saying he had the right to respond fully to any allegations made against him.

Atiku has previously said that allegations against him were investigated by government institutions during and after his tenure as vice-president and that he was never convicted. He has also challenged those making the allegations to produce credible evidence.

The former vice-president’s supporters have also criticised the renewed calls for investigation, with former senator Dino Melaye warning the EFCC against inviting Atiku for questioning over the allegations.

The coalition, however, maintained that its position was not “convict Atiku”, but to ensure that credible allegations were investigated and resolved through lawful processes.

“Our message today is therefore not ‘convict Atiku.’ Our message 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,” it said.

The demand was endorsed by Adodo; National Coordinator, Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative, Comrade Danesi Momoh; Executive Director, Guardians of Democracy and Development, Comrade Igwe Ude-Umanta; President, Civil Society Groups for Good Governance, Chief Dominic Ogakwu; National Coordinator, Civil Society Advocacy Group for Accountability and Probity, Mallam Suleiman Musa; Executive Director, Independent Public Service and Accountability Watch, Comrade Stephen Eriba; and Comrade Hassan Suleiman Saba of Citizens for Good Governance, Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Initiative.

The groups urged the EFCC to act promptly, independently and lawfully on any credible allegations before it, saying the outcome should ultimately be determined by evidence, due process and the rule of law.