Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for what he described as a “brazen disregard for due process” in the arrest and continued detention of Hon. Muhammad Kazaure, a former member of the House of Representatives and vocal critic of the Tinubu administration.

 

In a statement shared via his official Facebook page, Atiku accused the EFCC of exceeding its constitutional mandate and engaging in politically motivated actions. He likened Kazaure’s arrest to a recurring pattern of lawlessness and repression.

 

“The EFCC has once again resorted to its familiar playbook of arbitrary arrests and unlawful detentions, showing blatant contempt for due process and offering no justification for its actions,” Atiku stated.

 

He compared Kazaure’s detention to that of popular social commentator Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, who was recently released after widespread public outcry.

 

“This same abuse of power was evident in the unlawful arrest and detention of Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan. His release was only secured after intense public pressure,” Atiku noted.

 

The former Vice President revealed that Hon. Kazaure was allegedly “abducted in Kano and transported to Abuja,” where he is reportedly being held incommunicado—without access to his family or legal counsel. He emphasized that the absence of formal charges is both unconstitutional and indicative of a broader effort to stifle dissent.

 

“Even if there are legitimate grounds for an arrest, it must be conducted in accordance with the rule of law. The EFCC is obligated to publicly disclose reasons for any arrest and cannot detain individuals indefinitely under the pretext of investigation,” Atiku argued.

 

Describing the EFCC’s silence as “deafening,” Atiku alleged that Kazaure is being targeted solely for his outspoken criticism of the Tinubu administration.

 

“It is hard to avoid the conclusion that Kazaure’s current predicament stems from his fearless and consistent condemnation of this government,” he said.

 

Atiku, who was the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also accused the Tinubu administration of hypocrisy and double standards. He claimed that while those with political connections evade accountability, critics are harassed and silenced using state institutions.

 

“This administration’s hypocrisy is both staggering and shameless: it strikes cozy deals with politically exposed individuals implicated in corruption, while using state power to persecute its critics.”

 

Concluding his statement, Atiku warned the authorities that the Nigerian public is watching and that history would judge their actions.

 

“The Nigerian people are watching. History will remember these abuses.”