Abuja, Nigeria – Former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has launched a strong defense against the Abubakar Malami EFCC investigation. Specifically, Malami asked the EFCC Chairman to recuse himself from an ongoing probe. He firmly stated the investigation is a politically motivated “witch-hunt.”
Malami issued a press statement on Monday. He claimed that the investigation and his detention stem from deep personal animosity. First, he linked the animosity to his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Second, he cited a historical grudge. This grudge originated during the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry. That inquiry investigated corruption allegations within the EFCC while Malami served as AGF.
Abubakar Malami EFCC Probe: Allegations of Retaliation and Procedural Abuse
Malami stated clearly that the EFCC, under its current leadership, cannot conduct an objective investigation into his activities.
“The present investigation bears all the hallmarks of retaliatory persecution motivated by personal vengeance,” Malami said. For instance, it includes illegal detentions, media harassment, and procedural abuses.
The core of Malami’s formal demands:
- Recusal of EFCC Chairman: The Chairman must step aside immediately.
- Transfer of Case: Another government agency must take over the matter. Therefore, this ensures impartiality and maintains public confidence.
- Intervention: He called on the current Attorney-General of the Federation to intervene. Otherwise, the continuous involvement of the EFCC Chairman risks institutional damage and the abuse of prosecutorial powers.
Malami insisted that he wants to clear his name transparently through lawful processes. Consequently, he urged the EFCC to stop the political grandstanding. He demanded immediate arraignment before a competent court.
He stressed that the Nigerian Constitution mandates this arraignment under [Sections 35(3), (4), and (5) of the Nigerian Constitution] (Internal Link 2). Indeed, only a court—not a politically compromised agency—can lawfully adjudicate the matter.
Malami further attacked the EFCC’s methodology. He accused the agency of planning to rely on “questionable witnesses.” He alleged this group includes individuals who have been convicted abroad. In his view, this approach is “desperate, scandalous, and corrosive to the integrity of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.”
The press statement confirmed that Malami’s office formally requested certified copies of the underlying petitions and investigation reports. These reports originated from petitions filed by the Human and Environmental Agenda and the Grassroot Advocacy for Peace and Good Governance.
Malami concluded with a strong warning against politicizing anti-corruption agencies. “The law must remain supreme—above politics, above power, and above persons,” he stated. He insisted that the operations of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) must adhere strictly to its mandate [EFCC’s official mandate] (External Link 1).
Mohammed Bello Doka, Special Assistant on Media to [Abubakar Malami, SAN] (Internal Link 3), signed the statement.
