Nigerian tycoon Abdullahi Bashir Haske detained by law enforcement in corruption probe

Abdullahi Bashir Haske has reportedly been detained by the EFCC as part of a widening corruption investigation involving suspected money laundering, fake companies, and suspicious oil contracts connected to NNPCL and private jet operations.

Nigerian businessman Abdullahi Bashir Haske, who owns energy company AA & R Investment Group, has reportedly been arrested and is currently being held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, according to several sources within the anti corruption agency.

Haske, a politically connected business owner with interests in oil and aviation, is being investigated for suspected money laundering, corruption and financial fraud connected to a network of private jet operations and questionable contracts linked to the Nigerian National Petroleum Co. Ltd., or NNPCL.

The EFCC investigation reportedly focuses on the suspected transfer of large amounts of money through fake companies, aviation operators and overseas accounts. Officials say the investigation has uncovered private jet use and large cash transfers potentially used to clean dirty money. Sources familiar with the case say financial records are being traced back to contracts allegedly given out through NNPC EnServe Ltd., a subsidiary operating under NNPCL’s Upstream Directorate.

Haske’s company, AA & R Investment Group, is an important player in Nigeria’s energy sector and reportedly has interests in OML 148, an onshore oil block in the Niger Delta. The company has also been involved in aviation services, both directly and through related businesses.

The businessman’s personal connections are attracting attention. Haske is known to be a close friend of Bashir Bayo Ojulari, the Group CEO of NNPCL, and is married to a daughter of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a leading figure in Nigeria’s opposition.

So far, neither Ojulari nor Atiku have been formally accused or charged, but EFCC officials according to news reports say the investigation is growing.

As of Thursday, the EFCC had not released a formal public statement about Haske’s arrest. However, sources within the commission say an official update is expected in the coming days as investigators continue to examine financial records and flight logs.