EFCC received a new petition from former lawmaker Johnson Agbonayinma asking investigators to probe former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over old claims.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) has officially received a fresh petition calling for the immediate investigation and possible court trial of Nigeria’s former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, over alleged financial crimes and money laundering claims dating back to 2006.
The formal complaint was submitted by a former member of the House of Representatives, Honorable Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, who personally visited the anti-graft agency’s national headquarters located in the Jabi area of Abuja to submit his written petition and answer detailed questions from financial investigators.
Addressing news correspondents and civil society groups outside the EFCC headquarters after meeting with investigators, the former lawmaker explained that his petition, dated August 27, 2026, was officially received and stamped by the anti-corruption agency on September 1.
He explained that his legal action became necessary to ensure that powerful political figures are held accountable under the laws of the land, regardless of their status or wealth in society.
Explaining why he decided to push for the reopening of the case and thanking citizens who are supporting his public crusade against corruption, Honorable Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma stated: “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.”
The former lawmaker specifically urged the leadership of the EFCC to revisit two major historical investigation reports that previously detailed alleged financial irregularities linked to the former vice president.
Calling on anti-graft detectives to act swiftly on official past investigative documents, Agbonayinma asked the commission to act on its September 2006 report on Atiku and a February 4, 2010, report by the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.
He argued that when the EFCC originally completed its investigation back in September 2006, the agency indicated that Atiku Abubakar could face a full court trial once his tenure as vice president ended and his constitutional immunity from criminal prosecution expired.
However, Agbonayinma noted with regret that years after leaving office, no formal charges were filed against him in any competent court of law.
Describing the failure of law enforcement authorities to pursue the case after immunity ended as a serious lapse, the former lawmaker stressed that reopening the matter would demonstrate the commission’s determination to fight corruption without bias.
He further revealed that in addition to submitting documents to the EFCC, he had also written a formal petition to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, regarding the international dimensions of the money laundering allegations.
As of the time of filing this report, the official spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, had not responded to media messages seeking an official update on the step-by-step actions the agency plans to take regarding the petition.
Legal experts have also clarified that the submission of a petition does not mean Atiku Abubakar has been found guilty or formally charged with any offense in court, as investigations are still ongoing.
Public policy analysts and legal commentators across Nigeria are closely monitoring how the anti-graft agency handles the high-profile petition against the former vice president.
Jennifer Baba is a journalist, international news correspondent, and writer at Moderncrux, where she covers artificial intelligence, fintech, emerging technologies, global politics, and international affairs. Based in Nigeria, she is passionate about transforming complex global developments into clear, engaging stories that inform and inspire readers.
