The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reopened an investigation into allegations of financial crimes involving former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, following a fresh petition seeking a review of a case that dates back to 2006.
The renewed investigation followed a petition by former member of the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, who is asking the anti-graft agency to revisit its earlier findings and consider further action against the former vice-president.
According to reports published on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, the EFCC acknowledged receipt of the petition, dated August 27, 2026, on September 1, before inviting Agbonayinma to its headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, on October 12 to adopt the petition and respond to questions from investigators.
Petitioner Seeks Review of 2006 EFCC Report
Agbonayinma, through his lawyer, Chief Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo (SAN), urged the commission to revisit a September 2006 report prepared during the tenure of former EFCC chairman, Nuhu Ribadu.
The petition also referenced a February 4, 2010, report by the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, asking the EFCC to consider the findings contained in the documents as part of its renewed investigation.
The petitioner alleged that the earlier investigation raised questions about financial transactions involving the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) during Atiku’s tenure as vice-president.
He argued that the matter should not remain unresolved and called on the commission to determine whether the available evidence warrants further legal action.
Agbonayinma Calls for Accountability
Speaking after appearing before EFCC investigators, Agbonayinma maintained that the allegations deserved further examination in the interest of accountability and the rule of law.
He argued that the anti-graft agency should not abandon its earlier investigative work and insisted that the law should apply equally to all Nigerians, irrespective of their political standing.
The former lawmaker also disclosed that he had petitioned United States President Donald Trump over the allegations.
The petition had initially given the EFCC 14 days to act, with Agbonayinma’s legal representative warning that further legal steps could be considered if the commission failed to respond.
Background to the Allegations
The case dates back to investigations conducted between 2005 and 2006, when Atiku served as vice-president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The investigation examined issues surrounding the management and placement of PTDF funds, alongside financial transactions considered during a wider inquiry linked to an investigation in the United States.
The allegations were politically contentious at the time, with Atiku disputing accusations of wrongdoing and maintaining that the investigations were politically motivated.
Atiku has not been convicted in relation to the allegations discussed in the reports cited here. The existence of an earlier investigation or a fresh petition does not, by itself, establish criminal liability.
What Happens Next?
The reopening of the investigation places renewed attention on the EFCC’s handling of allegations involving one of Nigeria’s most prominent political figures.
However, the extent of the commission’s current investigative steps and whether the process will result in formal charges remain unclear.
As of the time of reporting, the EFCC had not publicly provided a detailed response to media enquiries about the renewed investigation.
The outcome will depend on the commission’s findings and any subsequent legal proceedings, rather than the allegations contained in the petition alone.
