The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the reopening of an investigation into allegations involving former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar following a fresh petition by former House of Representatives member, Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma.
The commission acknowledged receipt of the petition, dated August 27, 2026, and received on September 1, saying investigations had commenced into the issues raised. 
Agbonayinma, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), filed the petition through his lawyer, Chief Hannibal Uwaifo, SAN, seeking a review of allegations against Atiku arising from an earlier investigation conducted about two decades ago under former EFCC chairman, Nuhu Ribadu.
The development comes as Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), emerges as one of the major opposition challengers to President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
As part of the renewed investigation, the EFCC invited Agbonayinma to its headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, on Monday, 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 the commission’s premises around 4:07 p.m. after several hours of interaction with EFCC officials.
The commission’s acknowledgement letter, referenced CR:3000/EFCC/HQ/SDC-2/VOL.3/398, forms part of the documentation relating to the ongoing investigation.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Agbonayinma said his petition was aimed at reopening the investigation conducted during Ribadu’s tenure, arguing that the allegations deserved fresh scrutiny in the interest of accountability and the rule of law.
He said allegations of wrongdoing should not be ignored where relevant authorities had previously examined the matter, urging the EFCC to thoroughly investigate the issues raised.
“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 maintained that bringing alleged wrongdoing to the attention of relevant authorities was part of his constitutional responsibility and stressed that no individual should be regarded as being above the law.
He also disclosed that he had petitioned United States President Donald Trump over the allegations, saying he sought international attention to the matter.
The reopening of the investigation, roughly 20 years after the earlier EFCC probe, is likely to renew scrutiny of allegations previously associated with Atiku.
However, the filing of a petition and the commencement of an investigation do not amount to a finding of guilt or establish wrongdoing against the former vice-president.
The EFCC’s renewed investigation is expected to determine the substance of the allegations and whether they warrant further action under the law.
