ABUJA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly reopened its investigation into allegations against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar following a petition by former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, demanding renewed action over a case dating back to 2006.

The petition calls on the anti-graft agency to revisit its earlier investigation into the allegations against Atiku and examine a subsequent report by a United States Senate subcommittee as part of efforts to determine whether further action is warranted.

Agbonayinma disclosed that the EFCC had acknowledged his petition, dated August 27, 2026, and received by the commission on September 1, 2026.

The petition, submitted through his lawyer, Chief Hannibal Egbe Uwaifo, SAN, seeks the reactivation of the commission's September 2006 report and a fresh examination of the issues raised in the February 4, 2010, report by the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations.

As part of the process, the former lawmaker reportedly appeared at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, where he formally adopted his petition and answered questions from investigators.

Speaking on the development, Agbonayinma insisted that the allegations should not be allowed to remain unresolved, arguing that the fight against corruption must apply equally to politically influential individuals and ordinary Nigerians.

“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.

‘Why Was There No Prosecution?’

In his petition, Agbonayinma alleged that the EFCC had previously indicated that Atiku could face prosecution after leaving office as vice-president, when his constitutional immunity ceased to apply.

He questioned why, despite the commission's earlier investigative efforts, the matter had allegedly not proceeded to prosecution.

The former lawmaker characterised the alleged failure to pursue the case as a dereliction of duty and urged the EFCC to demonstrate its commitment to accountability by examining the evidence and determining the appropriate legal steps.

However, the petitioner's demand for prosecution does not, in itself, establish criminal wrongdoing. Any decision to prosecute would depend on the available evidence, applicable law and the findings of the relevant authorities.

US Senate Report Also Cited

Agbonayinma also urged the EFCC to consider the February 4, 2010, report of the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations alongside its earlier findings.

According to the petitioner, the two documents should provide a basis for renewed scrutiny of the allegations and help the commission determine whether further investigative or prosecutorial action is justified.

He further disclosed that he had petitioned US President Donald Trump over the allegations, widening his appeal for action beyond Nigeria's anti-graft authorities.

EFCC Faces Questions Over Accountability

The development raises renewed questions about how long-running corruption allegations involving politically influential figures are handled and whether investigations initiated years ago receive appropriate follow-up.

For the EFCC, the central issue will be whether a fresh review identifies sufficient admissible evidence to justify further action under Nigerian law.

The commission's reported acknowledgement of the petition and Agbonayinma's appearance at its headquarters do not, on their own, establish that a formal decision to prosecute Atiku has been made.

As of the information provided, no formal EFCC announcement confirming the reopening of the investigation or announcing a prosecution has been included.

Atiku's response to the latest petition was also not included in the information available for this report.

HSN will continue to follow developments surrounding the petition, the EFCC's position and any official response from the former vice-president.