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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reopened an investigation into allegations involving former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar following a petition by a former member of the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma.
The development follows a petition dated August 27, 2026, and received by the commission on September 1, seeking a review of allegations investigated under former EFCC Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, between 2005 and 2006.
The commission reportedly acknowledged receipt of the petition and confirmed that an investigation had commenced.
As part of the process, Agbonayinma was invited to the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, on October 12, where he formally adopted his petition and responded to questions from investigators.
The former lawmaker arrived at about 9:58 a.m. and left at approximately 4:07 p.m.
The petition, submitted through his lawyer, Chief Hannibal Uwaifo, SAN, seeks a review of the earlier investigation and renewed consideration of the allegations against the former vice-president.
The EFCC’s acknowledgement letter bears reference number CR:3000/EFCC/HQ/SDC-2/VOL.3/398.
Speaking with journalists after his appearance, Agbonayinma said the petition was intended to ensure that the findings of the earlier investigation were not abandoned.
He argued that the matter deserved renewed attention in the interest of accountability and the rule of law, insisting that the law should apply equally to all Nigerians, regardless of their social or political status.
“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 maintained that reporting alleged wrongdoing was part of his constitutional responsibility and that no individual should be considered above the law.
He also disclosed that he had written to United States President Donald Trump concerning the allegations, urging him to pay attention to the matter.
The renewed investigation centres on allegations that date back nearly two decades, when the EFCC investigated matters involving Atiku during his tenure as vice-president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The earlier investigation produced a September 2006 report titled The EFCC Report on Vice-President Abubakar Atiku (Full Report).
Agbonayinma’s petition seeks to have the commission revisit that report and determine whether further investigative or legal action is warranted.
The petition also reportedly references a February 4, 2010, report by the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, asking the EFCC to consider the relevant findings alongside its earlier investigative materials.
Atiku has previously denied wrongdoing in connection with the allegations.
In September 2026, he argued that the issues had been examined by Nigerian institutions and maintained that he had never been convicted over them.
The reopening of the investigation does not, in itself, establish criminal liability.
Any decision to pursue prosecution would depend on the evidence available and the applicable legal process.
The EFCC has yet to publicly disclose the full scope of its renewed investigation or indicate when it expects to conclude the exercise.
