By Damilola Samuel
Former member of the House of Representatives, Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, has asked United States President Donald Trump to direct relevant American agencies to review past financial-crime investigations linked to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Agbonayinma made the request in a petition, calling for a review of records from the 2006 investigation and a 2010 U.S. Senate inquiry involving financial transactions associated with Atiku.
He urged the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and other relevant agencies to examine the historical records and determine whether any matter remains within their jurisdiction.
The former lawmaker also asked the agencies to review relevant materials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and cooperate with Nigerian authorities where necessary.
His petition referred to a 2010 report by the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which examined transactions involving Atiku’s former wife, Jennifer Douglas, and offshore companies.
The Senate report said more than $40 million in funds considered suspicious by the committee were transferred into the United States between 2000 and 2008. It also examined transactions involving companies including LetsGo Ltd., Guernsey Trust Company Nigeria Ltd. and Sima Holding Ltd.
The report further discussed payments linked to the American University in Washington, D.C., and allegations concerning Siemens. The Senate record described these as investigative findings and allegations; it did not establish a criminal conviction against Atiku.
Agbonayinma said his request was not intended to determine guilt, but to have the relevant authorities establish whether any outstanding issues require further action.
He said any review should be conducted in accordance with due process, applicable laws, evidentiary requirements and the presumption of innocence.
The former lawmaker’s latest demand follows an earlier petition to the EFCC seeking the reopening of allegations against Atiku. The September 2026 petition referenced the EFCC’s 2006 report and the 2010 U.S. Senate investigation.
Agbonayinma said the authorities should allow the evidence and law to determine whether the matter warrants further investigation or legal action.
