The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Abdullahi Bashir Haske, a prominent Nigerian businessman and founder of AA&R Investments, over allegations of money laundering and corruption.
The arrest, confirmed by reliable sources within the EFCC on 25 July 2025, has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s business and political circles, given Haske’s influential status in the oil and gas sector.
Haske, a 37-year-old native of Adamawa State, is accused of orchestrating large-scale money laundering through sophisticated financial structures. The EFCC’s investigation reportedly centres on illicit transactions involving public funds, with allegations of abuse of office and fraudulent activities linked to shell companies in the aviation sector.
The probe also implicates Bashir Bayo Ojulari, identified as a key figure in the case, raising questions about potential connections to high-profile political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
The EFCC has stated that Haske remains in custody as investigations continue, with the agency committed to pursuing the case impartially, regardless of political affiliations. Efforts to obtain a response from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), where Ojulari serves as a group executive, have been unsuccessful. The allegations, if proven, could lead to charges under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
Haske’s business empire, notably AA&R Investments, has grown significantly since its inception, with a major milestone in 2021 when it acquired 51% of oil blocks previously held by Addax Petroleum.
Despite his low-profile persona, Haske’s wealth and influence have made him a role model for many Nigerian youths, particularly for his reported philanthropy, including aid to 14,000 Adamawa residents during the COVID-19 crisis. The current allegations, however, cast a shadow over his reputation.
The EFCC’s action reflects its ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes, with its current chairman, Ola Olukoyede, appointed in October 2023, emphasising a technology-driven approach through initiatives like the Eagle Eye App. Public sentiment, as seen in posts on X, indicates widespread interest and debate, with many Nigerians awaiting further details on the high-profile case.
As the investigation unfolds, the outcome could have significant implications for Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive and its oil and gas industry.
