Former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of bias and political persecution, demanding either his immediate arraignment before a court or his release from detention.
In a statement issued on Monday, Malami’s spokesman, Muhammad Doka, alleged that the ongoing EFCC investigation was driven by personal vendetta, procedural irregularities, and political motives, linking the probe to Malami’s recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The former minister described the investigation as unlawful, claiming it constitutes trial by media and abuse of due process.
Malami traced the alleged hostility to his tenure as Attorney-General, when a Federal Government commission probed corruption within the EFCC.
He noted that the current EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, served as secretary to that panel, which had reportedly produced unfavorable findings against him.
He warned that continuing the investigation under the present circumstances could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s justice institutions.
He formally demanded that the EFCC Chairman recuse himself from the matter and urged the Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure that another appropriate law enforcement agency takes over.
Malami also insisted that the EFCC must either arraign him within 24 hours or release him, citing constitutional protections against unlawful detention.
Malami also criticised the EFCC for allegedly relying on convicted foreign-based individuals as witnesses, describing the approach as damaging to Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
He stated that his legal team had requested certified copies of the petitions and investigation reports to prepare an effective defense.
Responding to the allegations, EFCC Spokesperson Dele Oyewale dismissed claims of political persecution, describing them as a deliberate ploy by corrupt politicians seeking to evade accountability.
Oyewale stressed that the commission investigates and prosecutes all economic and financial crimes, regardless of political affiliation, with the only exemption being officials enjoying constitutional immunity while in office.
He highlighted that under the current EFCC leadership, both ruling party officials and opposition figures have faced investigation and prosecution, emphasizing that there are no “sacred cows.”
Oyewale challenged the notion that asking suspects to account for alleged corruption constitutes persecution, stressing that embezzlement, fraud, and money laundering cannot be excused on partisan grounds.
The EFCC further warned against attempts to intimidate or influence the commission, affirming that it will continue its investigations based on evidence and not political considerations.
Oyewale also advised caution against proposed amendments to the EFCC’s enabling Act, asserting that such changes could undermine the agency’s mandate.
The standoff between Malami and the EFCC underscores rising tensions over perceived political influence in high-profile anti-corruption investigations, highlighting the delicate balance between law enforcement and political neutrality in Nigeria’s fight against graft.
