The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has received a fresh petition seeking the prosecution of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar over alleged financial crimes, reopening a controversy dating back to 2006.
The petition was filed by a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, who urged the anti-graft agency to revisit its earlier investigation and consider a subsequent report by a United States Senate subcommittee.
Agbonayinma said the EFCC acknowledged his petition, dated August 27, 2026, and received on September 1. Submitted through his lawyer, Chief Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, SAN, the petition called for the commission to reactivate its previous findings and take appropriate action.
The former lawmaker visited the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, where he formally adopted the petition and responded to questions from investigators.
Speaking after the visit, Agbonayinma insisted that the allegations should not remain unresolved, arguing that the law must apply equally to all Nigerians, irrespective of their wealth or political standing.
“I want to thank Nigerians, the EFCC, and those praying for me in this struggle. The laws are meant for both the rich and the poor. After the EFCC has done a fantastic job, it should not be kept under the table,” he said.
In the petition, Agbonayinma asked the commission to review its September 2006 report on Atiku and a February 4, 2010, report by the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
He argued that the two documents warranted renewed scrutiny and should guide the commission in determining whether further action was necessary.
The petition also alleged that the EFCC had previously indicated that Atiku could face prosecution after leaving office as Vice-President, when his constitutional immunity ceased to apply. However, Agbonayinma claimed that no prosecution subsequently followed.
He described the alleged failure to pursue the matter as a dereliction of duty and maintained that reopening the case would demonstrate the commission’s commitment to accountability, including among politically influential Nigerians.
Agbonayinma further disclosed that he had petitioned United States President Donald Trump over the allegations.
As of the time of filing this report, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale had yet to respond to messages seeking clarification on the status of the investigation.
The fresh petition renews calls for the commission to clarify the outcome of its earlier investigation and explain whether the allegations warrant further action. The allegations contained in the petition have not, in themselves, established criminal liability on the part of Atiku Abubakar.
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