The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of politicising the revocation of bail previously granted to former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mallam Abubakar Malami, SAN.
In a statement on Saturday, signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC argued that the EFCC’s action was politically motivated rather than rooted in law enforcement.
The party insisted that Malami had complied with all bail conditions and continued to cooperate with investigators.
“From all available evidence, Malami did not violate any of the legal conditions attached to his initial bail.
“As a senior lawyer and former number one law officer in the country, he understands what it means to violate bail conditions,” the statement read.
The ADC also criticised the timing of the revocation, noting it followed Malami’s attendance at a political rally in Kebbi State as part of his governorship campaign.
“What he probably did not know was that attending a political gathering in his home state could suddenly become a reason for revoking his bail.”
The party added that the move created the impression that the EFCC aimed to curb his political activities rather than pursue justice.
The statement further argued that the EFCC’s action exceeded its constitutional authority.
“By barring a citizen from political activity, the EFCC arrogates to itself powers it does not possess under the Constitution.
“No agency has the power to suspend political rights, redraw political boundaries, or dictate where a citizen’s political interest may be exercised.”
The ADC warned against selective investigations and the weaponisation of anti-graft agencies against opposition figures, stating: “Politicising the fight against corruption is itself a major form of corruption.
“The Afrobarometer survey released earlier this year ranked the Presidency as the third most corrupt public institution in the country, after the police and the National Assembly.”
Maintaining that Malami is innocent until proven guilty, the ADC demanded his immediate release on bail without restrictions on his political rights.
“More importantly, we demand his immediate release on bail, without the attached conditions that stifle his political rights,” the party concluded.
