Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for what he describes as a recurring pattern of lawlessness, following the arrest and incommunicado detention of Hon. Muhammad Kazaure, a former member of the House of Representatives and outspoken critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Atiku accused the EFCC of operating with “brazen disregard for due process,” noting that Kazaure was “abducted” in Kano and transported to Abuja without any formal charge, explanation, or access to his family or legal team.
“The EFCC has targeted Hon. Muhammad Kazaure… presently being held incommunicado, with no formal charge or explanation offered to his family, legal team, or the Nigerian people,” Atiku stated.
He drew parallels with the earlier arrest of Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, who was only released after massive public pressure. Atiku described both incidents as evidence of EFCC’s “contempt for transparency and justice,” warning that such acts undermine the rule of law and constitutional governance.
He emphasized that even if there were legitimate grounds for arrest, the EFCC must follow due process by promptly charging individuals to court or releasing them. He lamented the agency’s silence, saying it has entrenched itself “deeper into the mire of impunity and constitutional delinquency.”
Atiku further alleged that Kazaure’s ordeal is politically motivated, stemming from his “fearless and unrelenting criticism” of the Tinubu government. “This government’s hypocrisy is as staggering as it is shameless: while it strikes cosy deals with politically connected figures tainted by corruption, it unleashes the machinery of the state to harass and silence its critics,” he declared.
“The Nigerian people are watching. And history will not forget,” Atiku warned.