You Cannot Use EFCC To Torment Its Creator — Dino Melaye Fires Back In Defence Of Atiku

Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has warned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against inviting former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar for questioning over longstanding allegations of financial misconduct.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Melaye made the remarks during the African Democratic Congress (ADC) All Support Groups town hall meeting in Abuja while reacting to renewed calls for the anti-graft agency to reopen investigations involving Atiku.

The former lawmaker argued that Atiku had been subjected to investigations on several occasions without being convicted, suggesting that another probe at this time could be interpreted as politically motivated, particularly with the 2027 general elections approaching.

Speaking at the gathering, Melaye said Atiku was part of the administration that established the EFCC and questioned the rationale behind using the agency to target him.

“Atiku was part of the government that created the EFCC. You cannot use the EFCC to torment the creator of the EFCC,” Melaye stated.

He also issued a strong warning against inviting or arresting the former vice-president, declaring, “Invite Atiku and see trouble.”

Melaye’s comments followed a petition by former House of Representatives member Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, who reportedly called on the EFCC to reopen investigations and prosecute Atiku over alleged financial crimes.

The petition referenced an EFCC investigation involving Atiku between 2005 and 2006, as well as findings from a 2010 report by a United States Senate investigative subcommittee.

Atiku has previously rejected calls for the allegations to be revisited, maintaining that the issues had already been examined by relevant institutions and the courts.

The allegations cited in the renewed petition have not resulted in a criminal conviction against the former vice-president. The EFCC has also not publicly confirmed whether it will act on the latest request for a fresh investigation.