Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has called for the immediate recusal of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from his ongoing investigation, alleging bias, political persecution, and personal vendetta linked to his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Muhammad Doka, Malami accused the EFCC of engaging in “illegal detention, media harassment, and procedural abuse,” insisting that the probe is motivated by “deep-seated historical animosity” rather than legitimate law enforcement 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.
He traced his claims to events during his tenure as AGF, noting that the current EFCC Chairman served as Secretary to the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which investigated allegations of corruption and abuse of office within the EFCC.
Malami said the Salami Report, now publicly available, contained adverse findings against him, and he alleged that the present investigation reflects “retaliatory persecution motivated by personal vengeance.”
On this basis, Malami formally demanded that the EFCC Chairman step aside and urged the Attorney-General of the Federation to intervene.
He stressed that “to restore credibility and public confidence, another appropriate law enforcement agency must handle this matter,” warning that failure to act could inflict “serious institutional damage.”
Malami further demanded either his immediate arraignment or release within 24 hours, citing Sections 35(3), (4), and (5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), asserting that “only a court of competent jurisdiction—not a politically compromised agency—can lawfully and credibly adjudicate this matter.”
He also accused the EFCC of attempting to rely on individuals convicted by foreign courts and currently serving prison sentences abroad as potential witnesses, describing such actions as “desperate, scandalous, and corrosive to the integrity of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.” He argued that such individuals should be subjects of extradition, not witnesses.
According to the statement, Malami’s legal team has initiated formal steps to protect his rights, including requesting Certified True Copies of the petitions that triggered the investigation and the EFCC’s report to prepare his defence.
“Let it be stated clearly: I seek no political settlement or inducement,” Malami said. “My singular objective is to clear my name openly and transparently before a court of competent jurisdiction.
“Nigeria must not become a republic where anti-corruption agencies are tools of political intimidation. The law must remain supreme—above politics, above power, and above persons.”
As of the time of filing, the EFCC had not responded to Malami’s latest claims.
Wow! intrested that’s karma for you malami. Remember what happen to ibrahim magu under you authority,so now you begin to sing like m.jakson right? pls add the volume it sweet us.