The International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) has turned down a request from Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to issue a “wanted” notice for Lagos businessman Bashir Haske, who is married to the daughter of opposition leader Atiku Abubakar.

In a statement on Friday, Interpol clarified that it does not get involved in cases that appear to be politically, religiously, racially, or militarily motivated. The agency stressed that it would not be used by any member country to pursue politically driven cases, acknowledging Mr. Abubakar’s role as Nigeria’s foremost opposition figure.

Despite a restraining court order, the EFCC had declared Mr. Haske wanted over allegations of money laundering. Reports indicate that his links to Atiku may have been used as leverage in ongoing political battles tied to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC). Sources also suggest that Mr. Haske may have quietly left the country after being briefly detained in July.

For years, critics have accused the EFCC of targeting political rivals, arguing that the agency often relies on media drama and weak investigations rather than building solid cases. Although the EFCC has consistently denied being influenced by politics, its actions have repeatedly fueled suspicion.