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EFCC reopens investigation into Atiku following petition seeking action on allegations first investigated between 2005 and 2006
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Ribadu-era probe examined PTDF fund placements and transactions uncovered during inquiry linked to US iGate/NDTV investigation
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Ex-lawmaker Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma spends over six hours with EFCC investigators after formally adopting fresh petition
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Petitioner demands action on old EFCC findings, says he also wrote US President Donald Trump over allegations
October 14, (THEWILL) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reopened an investigation into former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, reviving a nearly two-decade-old probe that examined the management and placement of Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) funds and transactions uncovered during an investigation linked to a United States bribery inquiry.
The fresh investigation followed a petition by a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, asking the anti-graft commission to revisit allegations investigated between 2005 and 2006 when Mallam Nuhu Ribadu headed the EFCC.
Dated August 27, 2026, the petition submitted through Agbonayinma’s lawyer, Hannibal Uwaifo (SAN), was received by the EFCC on September 1.
The anti-graft agency subsequently acknowledged the petition and confirmed that an investigation had commenced. The commission’s acknowledgement is referenced CR:3000/EFCC/HQ/SDC-2/VOL.3/398.
As part of the investigation, Agbonayinma was invited to the commission’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, on October 12, where he formally adopted his petition and answered questions from investigators.
The former lawmaker arrived at about 9:58 a.m. and left at approximately 4:07 p.m., after spending more than six hours with investigators.
Speaking with journalists after the session, Agbonayinma said his petition was seeking a review of the investigation conducted by the EFCC under Ribadu, insisting that the findings should not be abandoned.
“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.
Agbonayinma said reporting alleged wrongdoing was a constitutional responsibility and maintained that nobody should be considered above the law.
He also disclosed that he had written to United States President Donald Trump, seeking attention to the allegations.
What Ribadu-Era EFCC Investigated
The investigation being revisited dates to 2006 and arose, in part, from a request by the United States Attorney’s Office and Department of Justice for Nigerian authorities to investigate transactions connected with American company iGate, Nigerian company Netlink Digital Television (NDTV), and related persons and entities.
The US authorities were at the time investigating possible violations of American law, including allegations of bribery, wire fraud and conspiracy connected with business ventures promoted in Africa by then US Congressman William Jefferson.
Following the request, the EFCC under Ribadu extended its investigation to the management and placement of PTDF funds, which were under the supervision of the Office of the Vice-President.
The investigation examined the approval of $125 million for PTDF purposes, the placement of substantial portions of the funds in commercial banks, including Equatorial Trust Bank and Trans International Bank, and a subsequent $20 million transaction.
The EFCC’s investigation also examined whether the placement of the PTDF funds had connections with private business transactions involving companies and individuals under scrutiny in the wider investigation.
A separate special audit and forensic investigation of the PTDF covering 1999 to May 31, 2006, examined the management of the fund and the circumstances surrounding the movement and placement of its resources.
The EFCC subsequently produced a report on its investigation in September 2006.
The petition now before the commission specifically refers to that document, titled “The EFCC Report on Vice-President Abubakar Atiku (Full Report)”, and asks the commission to reactivate the case.
Following the EFCC investigation at the time, then President Olusegun Obasanjo constituted an administrative panel headed by then Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Bayo Ojo (SAN), to examine the findings concerning the PTDF transactions.
The panel examined, among other issues, the placement of PTDF funds in commercial banks and the disputed $20 million transaction.
Atiku rejected allegations of wrongdoing and challenged the findings, maintaining that the investigations and subsequent actions were politically motivated and aimed at stopping his presidential ambition ahead of the 2007 election.
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Petitioner Seeks Revival of 2006 Report
Agbonayinma’s petition is asking the current EFCC leadership to return to the September 2006 report and determine whether further action should be taken.
His lawyers had initially given the commission 14 days to act, arguing that although the allegations had been investigated during Atiku’s tenure as Vice-President, no prosecution followed after he left office.
The petition also cited a February 4, 2010 report by the United States Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations and asked the EFCC to reactivate both the Nigerian and US investigative materials as part of the renewed case.
Atiku has previously denied wrongdoing over the allegations. He has maintained that the issues were examined by Nigerian institutions and that he was never convicted over them.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
