Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the arrest of Muhammad Kazaure, a former House of Representatives member and vocal opponent of President Bola Tinubu’s government.
Atiku, in a scathing statement on Saturday, accused the anti-graft agency of “lawlessness” after Kazaure was reportedly seized in Kano and taken to Abuja without explanation. The ex-lawmaker remains detained without formal charges, his family and lawyers denied access.
“We witnessed this same abuse in the unlawful arrest and detention of Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, whose release was only secured after massive public outrage and pressure,” Atiku stated.
He condemned the EFCC’s actions as a repeat of its “brazen disregard for due process,” warning that Kazaure’s arrest fits a pattern of silencing dissent.
“Abducted in Kano and whisked away to Abuja, Kazaure is presently being held incommunicado, with no formal charge or explanation offered to his family, legal team, or the Nigerian people,” Atiku said.
The former VP insisted that even legitimate arrests must follow the law, demanding transparency from the EFCC.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is unequivocal on this matter—every detainee must be promptly charged to court or released,” he declared.
Atiku accused the agency of “contempt for transparency and justice,” linking Kazaure’s detention to his criticism of Tinubu’s administration.
“This government’s hypocrisy is as staggering as it is shameless: while it strikes cosy deals with politically connected figures tainted by corruption, it unleashes the machinery of the state to harass and silence its critics,” he said.
Warning of accountability, Atiku concluded: “The Nigerian people are watching. And history will not forget.”
Leave a comment