Tag: Malami

A High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has dismissed a bail application by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, who is currently in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Justice Babangida Hassan, presiding over the case, ruled on Thursday that Malami’s detention is lawful and supported by a valid court order. Meanwhile, former South-East spokesperson to President Bola Tinubu, Denge Josef Onoh, has urged Malami to cooperate with the EFCC investigation instead of demanding the recusal of its chairman. Speaking from Paris, France, Onoh responded to Malami’s call for EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede to step aside from the probe, citing alleged conflicts linked to the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry Report. He argued that the report does not prevent the EFCC from investigating former public officials and emphasized that requests for recusal must adhere strictly to the law and principles of fairness. Onoh stressed that the EFCC operates under statutory authority to investigate economic and financial crimes without bias, noting that the Salami Panel was intended to strengthen accountability, not provide immunity for any individual. He also highlighted Malami’s past actions as Attorney-General, including overseeing high-profile prosecutions widely criticized as politically motivated, which involved defiance of court orders and prolonged detentions. “It is the height of hypocrisy for former AGF Abubakar Malami to now accuse the EFCC of ‘personal vendetta’ when he himself led a campaign to remove former EFCC Acting Chairman Ibrahim Magu in 2020,” Onoh said. He recalled that Malami drafted memos to then-President Muhammadu Buhari levelling over 22 allegations against Magu, including diversion of recovered funds and gross misconduct, and refused to appear before the Salami Panel, denying Magu the chance to confront his accuser. Critics described this as a “grudge war” leveraging Malami’s influence. Onoh added that Magu was never prosecuted or convicted, yet his career was effectively ended, exemplifying the type of vendetta Malami now attributes to the current EFCC leadership. He also cited Malami’s role in the prolonged detention of former National Security Adviser Col. Sambo Dasuki, despite court orders granting bail, as evidence of the former AGF’s disregard for the rule of law to settle political scores. Onoh concluded that Malami cannot now seek special treatment or call for recusal simply because he faces accountability.

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has demanded that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman recuse himself from an ongoing investigation and threatened prosecution, describing the probe as a politically motivated “witch-hunt.” In a press release on Monday, Malami described the probe as politically motivated, linking it to his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He alleged that the EFCC Chairman harbors a longstanding grudge stemming from the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which investigated corruption allegations within the EFCC during Malami’s tenure as Attorney-General. “The present investigation—marked by illegal detentions, media harassment, and procedural abuses—bears all the hallmarks of retaliatory persecution motivated by personal vengeance,” Malami said, stressing that the current EFCC leadership cannot conduct a fair or impartial probe into his activities. Malami formally demanded that the EFCC Chairman step aside and that the matter be handed over to another government agency to ensure credibility, impartiality, and public confidence. He also urged the current Attorney-General of the Federation to intervene, warning that continued involvement by the EFCC Chairman could lead to further institutional damage and abuse of prosecutorial powers. He emphasized the need for judicial oversight, insisting on immediate arraignment before a competent court in line with Sections 35(3), (4), and (5) of the Nigerian Constitution. According to Malami, only a court—not a politically compromised agency—can lawfully adjudicate the matter. Malami further accused the EFCC of planning to rely on questionable witnesses, including individuals convicted abroad, calling such tactics “desperate, scandalous, and corrosive to the integrity of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.” His office has formally requested certified copies of the petitions and investigation reports underpinning the EFCC’s actions, citing complaints from Human and Environmental Agenda and Grassroot Advocacy for Peace and Good Governance. Malami concluded by underscoring his commitment to clearing his name through lawful judicial processes and warning against the politicization of anti-corruption agencies. “The law must remain supreme—above politics, above power, and above persons,” he said. The statement was issued by Mohammed Bello Doka, Special Assistant on Media to Abubakar Malami, SAN.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has detained former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), over allegations linking him to terrorism financing, money laundering, and the operation of suspicious accounts. Investigators are probing multiple financial concerns, including an alleged N10 billion investment traced to Kebbi State and the whereabouts of two major tranches of recovered Abacha loot — $322 million returned from Switzerland and another $22 million reportedly repatriated from the Island of Jersey in the UK. As of 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Malami remained in EFCC custody after failing to meet his bail conditions. Officials say the scope of allegations is extensive and may require several days of questioning. One of his wives is also expected to be interrogated over her alleged involvement in the handling of N4 billion released under the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers Programme. According to an EFCC source, Malami “has a lot to clarify,” adding that some assets linked to him may be targeted for attachment pending the outcome of the investigation.

Former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has described his meeting with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as “successful.” Malami shared the update on his X account on Saturday, noting that he was released after the session and has been scheduled for a follow-up engagement. “In line with my commitment to keep Nigerians informed about my EFCC invitation, I give glory to Allah for His divine intervention. The engagement was successful, and I have been released, with a further appointment set, as the truth regarding the fabricated allegations against me continues to emerge,” he wrote. The EFCC had invited Malami over claims connected to his tenure in office, though the commission has not revealed specifics of the investigation. Malami had earlier confirmed he would honour the invitation, emphasizing his dedication to accountability and transparency.