Abdullahi Bashir Haske Detained by EFCC Amid NNPCL Oil Contracts and Money Laundering Probe

Abdullahi Bashir Haske has reportedly been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as part of a widening corruption investigation involving suspected money laundering, fake companies and suspicious oil contracts linked to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and private jet operations.

Several sources within the anti-corruption agency said the businessman, who owns energy company AA & R Investment Group, has been arrested and is being held by the EFCC.

Haske, a politically connected businessman 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 NNPCL.

The investigation reportedly focuses on the suspected transfer of large sums through fake companies, aviation operators and overseas accounts. Officials say investigators have uncovered private jet use and large cash transfers potentially used to launder money. Sources familiar with the case say financial records are being traced to contracts allegedly issued through NNPC EnServe Ltd., a subsidiary under NNPCL’s Upstream Directorate.

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.

Haske’s personal connections have drawn attention. He is known as a close friend of NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer Bashir Bayo Ojulari and is married to a daughter of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, a leading opposition figure.

Neither Ojulari nor Atiku has been formally accused or charged. EFCC officials, according to news reports, say the investigation is expanding.

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