Why We Arrested Atiku’s Son-in-law – EFCC

Pat Stevens & NAN/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating money laundering allegations against Babalele Abdullahi, son-in-law to the Peoples Democratic Party candidate in the just concluded presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Acting Spokesman of the EFCC, Mr Tony Orilade, confirmed the arrest to the News Agency of Nigeria today.

A source in the agency also revealed that Abdullahi, who is a Finance Director of Atiku Abubakar’s group of companies, is suspected of laundering €150 million.

The source who craved anonymity said that the case was ongoing and that Abdullahi “may be released soon”.

The sources said the money, about N61.4 billion, came in before the election

Abdullahi was arrested on Saturday by EFCC operatives at his Maitama, Abuja residence.

Atiku had in a statement raised the alarm over the arrest.

His media aide, Mr Paul Ibe, alleged that as part of a “desperate move” to make Atiku concede and congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari, the officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at about 8.30am on Saturday invaded the Maitama residence of Abdullahi.

“The EFCC agents numbering about two dozens came in two regular vehicles, an 18-seater Toyota bus (registration Abuja CS 522 RSH) and a Hilux van.

“They came with a search warrant to search the house and office of Abdullah and found nothing incriminating.

“They then proceeded to his office at Oakland Centre in Maitama and found nothing incriminating there.

“However, they took away some documents of landed properties. Not done, the EFCC officials stormed his Wuse residence where they again found nothing incriminating after the search.

“Afterwards, Abdullahi was taken away to the EFCC office in Wuse to make a statement alongside Mr. Lawan Ayuba.”

NAN quoted the EFCC’s spokesman as telling its correspondent on phone: “Yes, he is with us. We are investigating a case of money laundering against Abdullahi.

“We shall speak at the appropriate time.”

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