Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has alleged that bias and his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are reasons for his prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Muhammad Doka, Malami described the EFCC’s probe as “illegal detention, media harassment, and procedural abuse,” insisting it was motivated by “deep-seated historical animosity” rather than lawful considerations.
“I have been clearly pre-judged and cannot receive a fair, objective, or lawful investigation under the current leadership of the EFCC,” Malami said, referring to events during his tenure as AGF and the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry, whose findings contained adverse remarks about him.
Malami urged the Attorney-General of the Federation to intervene, arguing that another law enforcement agency should handle the case to restore credibility and public trust.
He also requested either immediate arraignment or release within 24 hours, citing constitutional provisions.
Raising further concerns, Malami criticised the EFCC for reportedly planning to rely on witnesses convicted abroad, describing the approach as “desperate, scandalous, and corrosive to the integrity of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.”
He stressed that his objective is to clear his name transparently before a competent court and warned against turning anti-corruption agencies into instruments of political intimidation.
