EFCC Reopens Atiku’s 2006 Corruption Case Following Fresh Petition

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reopened its investigation into allegations of financial crimes involving former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar following a petition by former House of Representatives member, Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma.

The petition seeks to revive a case dating back to 2006 and urges the anti-graft agency to revisit its earlier investigation under former EFCC Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, alongside findings contained in a subsequent report by a United States Senate subcommittee. 

Agbonayinma disclosed that the EFCC had acknowledged his petition, dated August 27, 2026, and received by the commission on September 1. The petition was submitted through his lawyer, Chief Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, SAN.

The former lawmaker subsequently appeared at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, where he formally adopted the petition and responded to questions from investigators.

According to Vanguard, Agbonayinma urged the commission to revisit its September 2006 report on Atiku and a February 4, 2010, report by the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, arguing that the documents should form the basis for renewed action.

He maintained that the matter should not remain unresolved and called for the law to be applied equally, irrespective of an individual's wealth or political influence.

“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,” Agbonayinma said.

The petitioner also alleged that the EFCC had previously indicated that Atiku could face prosecution after leaving office as vice-president, when the constitutional immunity associated with the office ceased to apply. He questioned why prosecution had not followed.

The renewed investigation comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections, with Atiku remaining a prominent figure in the country's opposition politics.

However, the petition and reopening of the investigation do not, in themselves, establish that Atiku committed any offence. The allegations remain subject to investigation and any applicable legal process.

As of the time of Vanguard's report, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale had not responded to requests for comments on the development.