Abdullahi Bashir Haske, founder of AA & R Investment Group, is facing an intensified investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged fraud, money laundering, and suspicious transactions linked to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
According to reports, Haske was initially arrested and interrogated by the EFCC over alleged shady dealings involving top officials of the NNPCL.
Investigators reportedly uncovered a network of shell companies, offshore accounts, private jet operations, and large cash transfers allegedly used to move illicit funds.
EFCC sources said the investigation particularly focused on questionable contracts and suspicious financial flows linked to NNPC EnServe Ltd., a subsidiary under the Upstream Directorate of NNPCL.
Despite being granted bail, Haske reportedly fled the country after allegedly violating his bail conditions, prompting the EFCC to declare him wanted and launch a nationwide manhunt.
The commission warned that anyone found aiding his escape could face prosecution.
The anti-graft agency said Haske, aged 38, was last known to reside at No. 6 Mosley Road, Ikoyi, and 952/953 Idejo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos State, and appealed to Nigerians to provide information that could lead to his arrest through any EFCC office nationwide.
In a related development, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the temporary freezing of the bank account of Mars Aviation Limited, a company reportedly linked to Haske, over allegations of fraud connected to the NNPCL.
Justice Musa Liman granted the interim order after hearing an ex parte application filed by the EFCC in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1299/2025.
The application, moved by EFCC counsel Geraldine Ofulue, sought the freezing of the company’s account with Fidelity Bank Plc pending the conclusion of investigations into alleged criminal misappropriation and money laundering.
The court subsequently approved the temporary restriction on the account to preserve funds believed to be connected to the ongoing probe.
Further reports also indicate that the EFCC has frozen a separate $15 million bank account allegedly linked to Haske as part of its widening money laundering investigation.
Sources familiar with the case claim the embattled businessman, who is reportedly connected to Bayo Ojulari and married to a daughter of Atiku Abubakar, remains under active investigation as authorities continue efforts to trace assets and financial transactions associated with the alleged fraud scheme.