General News
‘No Sacred Cows’: APC Chieftain Wants Atiku Allegations Probed
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An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Ntufam Hilliard Eta, has called on anti-corruption agencies to thoroughly investigate allegations and petitions against former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and prosecute him if evidence establishes any criminal offence.
Eta made the call while addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday at the APC National Secretariat, stressing that his position was based on accountability and not political considerations. He said holding public office should not shield anyone from scrutiny, while political ambitions should not prevent institutions from acting on credible allegations.
The APC chieftain clarified that he was not seeking Atiku’s conviction in the court of public opinion, but wanted the allegations and available evidence subjected to due process in a court of law.
He referenced a petition reportedly received by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on September 1, 2026, seeking the reopening of financial-crime allegations against Atiku dating back to investigations conducted around 2005 and 2006.
Eta also referred to renewed discussions surrounding a 2010 United States Senate report on suspicious financial transactions.
He acknowledged that the report did not constitute a criminal conviction but argued that the allegations contained in it were serious enough to warrant examination by Nigerian authorities.
According to him, the first set of allegations involves the movement of more than US$40 million in suspected funds into the United States between 2000 and 2008 through offshore corporations linked to Jennifer Douglas, Atiku’s wife.
The Senate report reportedly stated that about US$25 million was transferred into U.S. accounts opened by Douglas.
The second allegation relates to payments associated with Siemens AG. Eta said the Senate report stated that Douglas received at least US$1.7 million in alleged bribe payments, while an SEC civil complaint alleged US$2.8 million in bribe payments from Siemens. He emphasised that the claims were allegations contained in historical records and did not amount to convictions.
He further raised questions concerning approximately US$14 million transferred by offshore corporations to the American University for consulting services connected with the establishment of the university in Nigeria, as examined in the Senate report.
Eta also listed allegations involving the use of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to divert public funds during Atiku’s tenure as Vice-President from 1999 to 2007. According to him, the allegations resurfaced in 2023 following claims by Michael Achimugu and a petition submitted by Festus Keyamo to the EFCC, ICPC and CCB.
He said other allegations bordered on money laundering, criminal breach of trust, criminal misappropriation, conspiracy and possible violations of the Code of Conduct, as well as questions concerning accounts associated with Marine Float and other companies.
Eta argued that allowing allegations of such magnitude to become political ammunition during an election season would be dangerous.
He maintained that the same standard of accountability should apply to members of government and opposition figures.
He therefore urged the EFCC and other competent authorities to examine every credible petition, obtain relevant records, invite appropriate persons and follow the money without fear or favour.
“A serious democracy asks: Was a crime committed? Is there admissible evidence? If yes, prosecution should follow. If no, the matter should be closed,” Eta said.
He added: “No sacred cows. No political immunity. No selective justice. Just evidence, due process and the law.”