Interpol Halts EFCC’s Action Against Atiku’s Son-in-Law, Cites Political Motivations.
The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) has intervened to stop the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) pursuit of Abdullahi Babalele, son-in-law of former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The decision, announced on 20 August 2025, follows Interpol’s determination that the EFCC’s case against Babalele was politically motivated, raising concerns about the misuse of legal processes in Nigeria.
Babalele, married to Atiku’s daughter, faced allegations from the EFCC related to financial misconduct, including money laundering and fraud, stemming from transactions allegedly linked to the 2019 presidential election campaign, during which Atiku was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate. The EFCC claimed Babalele was involved in handling illicit funds, charges his legal team consistently denied, arguing they were fabricated to tarnish Atiku’s reputation.
Interpol’s intervention came after a thorough review of the case, prompted by complaints from Babalele’s legal representatives. The organisation concluded that the evidence presented by the EFCC lacked sufficient grounding and appeared to be driven by political agendas rather than credible criminal findings. Interpol’s statement, issued from its Lyon headquarters, emphasised the importance of impartiality in law enforcement and cautioned against the exploitation of legal systems for political ends.
This development marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with politically charged prosecutions. Critics of the EFCC have long argued that the agency, tasked with combating corruption, has occasionally been used as a tool to target political opponents. The case against Babalele, closely tied to Atiku, a prominent opposition figure, has been cited as an example of such overreach.
Atiku Abubakar, reacting to the news, welcomed Interpol’s decision, describing it as a victory for justice. “This is a clear signal that the international community is watching, and attempts to weaponise institutions against political adversaries will not go unchallenged,” he said in a statement released through his media office. Babalele’s legal team echoed this sentiment, calling for reforms to ensure Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts remain independent and free from political influence.
The EFCC has yet to issue an official response to Interpol’s decision, but sources within the agency suggest it may seek to revisit the case with new evidence. Meanwhile, analysts note that this intervention could strain relations between Interpol and Nigerian authorities, particularly as the country navigates its complex political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The decision has sparked widespread discussion on social media platforms, with many Nigerians praising Interpol’s move as a step towards accountability. Others, however, caution that it could embolden those accused of corruption to evade justice by claiming political persecution. As the debate continues, the case underscores the delicate balance between fighting corruption and safeguarding democratic principles in Nigeria.
