Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken a swipe at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing the anti-graft agency of disregarding the rule of law in its handling of arrests and detentions.
In a post on his verified X account on Saturday, May 10, 2025, the former presidential candidate expressed outrage over the recent arrest of Hon. Muhammad Kazaure, a former federal lawmaker and vocal critic of the Bola Tinubu administration.
Atiku alleged that Kazaure was picked up in Kano without any formal explanation and transported to Abuja, where he is reportedly being held without access to legal representation or communication with his family.
“Kazaure is being detained incommunicado, and neither his legal team nor his relatives have been informed of the reasons for his arrest,” Atiku said.
He likened the development to the earlier arrest of internet activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, who was released only after intense public backlash.
“The EFCC is slipping back into a disturbing pattern of arbitrary arrests, operating without accountability or transparency,” he said. “The constitution is clear—no Nigerian should be detained without charge or access to legal remedy.”
Atiku further alleged that Kazaure’s arrest was politically motivated, citing the former lawmaker’s persistent criticism of government policies and alleged mismanagement.
“It is no coincidence that those who challenge this administration often find themselves at the receiving end of state power,” he wrote. “While known allies of corruption are being shielded, critics are being hunted.”
Describing the EFCC’s silence on the matter as “deafening,” Atiku warned that such impunity erodes public trust in democratic institutions.
“The agency’s refusal to speak openly about Kazaure’s arrest reflects deep contempt for justice and due process,” he said.
He ended his statement with a subtle warning to the authorities: “Nigerians are watching closely. These violations will not be forgotten.”
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