The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to reconsider its reported decision to reopen the investigation into allegations of financial crimes against former Vice President and presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
The Islamic human rights organisation warned that reopening the case at a sensitive political period could heighten political tension and create the impression of selective prosecution of opposition figures.
MURIC’s Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, made the appeal in a press statement issued on Friday, October 16, 2026.
The organisation was reacting to reports that the EFCC had reopened its investigation into allegations against Atiku following a petition by former House of Representatives member, Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, seeking his prosecution over alleged financial crimes.
Akintola cautioned the anti-graft agency against actions that could inflame political passions, arguing that the timing of the reported investigation could raise questions about the commission’s motives.
“It is an ill wind that blows nobody any good. We warn that reopening the case file of a presidential candidate at this time could inflame passions. EFCC should not heat up the polity,” he said.
He questioned why the matter was being revisited at this stage, noting that the case file had reportedly been with the commission since 2006, despite Atiku’s longstanding presidential ambitions.
“Where was EFCC since all these years? Alhaji Atiku Abubakar's case file has always been in EFCC's cabinet since 2006, and this presidential candidate has never hidden his intention to contest over and over again,” Akintola stated.
The MURIC director also alleged that several public officials and other Nigerians facing corruption allegations had yet to be brought to justice. He called for equal treatment of all persons suspected of financial crimes, irrespective of their political affiliations.
According to him, the organisation was not opposed to the fight against corruption or the enforcement of the law, but insisted that anti-corruption efforts must not be perceived as politically motivated.
“MURIC is not encouraging corrupt practices. Neither are we saying the law must not take its due course. What we are saying is that there should be a level playing field. All alleged fraud offenders should be given equal treatment,” he said.
Akintola further warned that prosecuting opposition candidates close to a general election could generate sympathy votes and potentially strengthen their electoral chances.
He argued that detaining prominent opposition figures during an electioneering period could mobilise previously disengaged voters and encourage them to participate more actively in the electoral process.
The MURIC director cited historical examples of political figures who rose to prominence after imprisonment, including former Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and former South African President Nelson Mandela, to illustrate his argument that imprisonment does not necessarily end a politician’s political prospects.
He also cautioned that arresting a presidential candidate at such a time could heighten tensions in a country already grappling with security challenges, including insurgency.
“Arresting any presidential candidate at this time will be a wrong strategy. It will look as if we are preparing for war. But that is not what our dear country needs at this time because we are fighting one already,” he said.
The organisation also framed its position within its commitment to justice and fundamental human rights, stating that Atiku, as a Muslim presidential candidate, deserved the same fair treatment MURIC had advocated for other political figures.
Akintola, however, stressed that the organisation’s position was not limited to Muslim candidates, adding that Islam forbids injustice against anyone, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, nationality or race.
He cited a passage from the Qur’an urging believers to uphold justice even when it goes against their personal interests or those of their relatives.
Reiterating its appeal, MURIC urged the EFCC to reconsider the timing of the reported investigation and ensure that its anti-corruption activities were applied fairly across the political spectrum.
“The best advice we can give EFCC is to rethink the reopening of Atiku's file. Nigerians are not fools. Nobody will believe that opening Atiku's file at this time is procedural,” Akintola said.
He concluded by urging the commission to avoid actions that could deepen political divisions, calling on it to allow the country to focus on peace, stability and the electoral process.
“EFCC should close politicians’ files for now. Let Nigeria breathe, please,” he added.
Note: The allegations against Atiku and the reported reopening of the investigation are presented here as claims referenced in MURIC’s press release. The statement does not establish that the allegations have been proven.
