By Uche Amunike
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reopened an investigation into allegations involving former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar following a petition by former House of Representatives member, Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma.
The commission acknowledged that they received the petition, dated August 27, 2026, on September 1, confirming that investigations had commenced into the issues raised by the former lawmaker.
Agbonayinma, through his lawyer, Chief Hannibal Uwaifo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is seeking a review of allegations connected to an earlier investigation involving the former vice-president.
As part of the process, the EFCC invited Agbonayinma to its headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, on October 12, where he formally adopted his petition and responded to questions from investigators.
The former lawmaker arrived at approximately 9:58 a.m. and left at about 4:07 p.m. after completing his interview with the commission.
The EFCC’s acknowledgement letter, referenced CR:3000/EFCC/HQ/SDC-2/VOL.3/
Speaking with journalists after the engagement, Agbonayinma explained that his petition sought to revisit an investigation conducted under former EFCC chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, involving Atiku Abubakar.
He maintained that the allegations deserved renewed attention in the interest of accountability, transparency and the rule of law.
‘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,’ he said.
Agbonayinma stressed that reporting alleged wrongdoing was part of his constitutional responsibility, insisting that nobody should be considered above the law.
He also argued that allegations involving influential individuals should receive appropriate attention from relevant authorities, regardless of the persons concerned or their political standing.
The former lawmaker also disclosed that he had written a separate petition to United States President Donald Trump concerning the matter, seeking attention to the allegations.
The development places the EFCC Reopens Atiku Abubakar Probe story back in focus, particularly regarding the handling of allegations involving prominent political figures and the responsibility of anti-corruption agencies to examine petitions submitted to them.
However, the reopening of an investigation does not establish guilt or confirm that any alleged wrongdoing occurred. The claims remain allegations requiring examination by the appropriate authorities.
The EFCC’s acknowledgement of Agbonayinma’s petition and its invitation to the former lawmaker indicate that the commission has begun taking steps to examine the issues presented.
Further developments will depend on the outcome of the investigative process and any official findings the commission may release.
As of the information provided, the EFCC has not announced any final conclusions arising from the reopened investigation. Atiku Abubakar has not been reported in the supplied account as responding to the latest petition.
The matter is therefore expected to attract further public attention as investigators consider the allegations and determine the appropriate next steps in accordance with the law.
