A fresh controversy erupts as Abubakar Malami accuses the EFCC of political persecution and personal vendetta. Why he is demanding the Chairman’s recusal will shock many.
A major controversy has erupted around Nigeria’s anti-corruption architecture as former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, formally accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of running a politically motivated investigation driven by personal vendetta rather than law enforcement.
In a strongly worded press statement issued by his media office, Malami openly challenged the EFCC Chairman to recuse himself immediately, insisting that the ongoing investigation and alleged detention threats against him amount to abuse of power, selective justice, and a direct assault on the rule of law.
Malami described the EFCC’s actions as a “witch-hunt” allegedly triggered by his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that Nigeria risks sliding into dangerous territory where state institutions are weaponised against perceived political opponents.
According to the former Attorney-General, the crisis did not begin today. He traced the alleged hostility to events during his tenure in office, when the Federal Government constituted the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry to probe corruption allegations within the EFCC. Malami revealed that the current EFCC Chairman served as Secretary to that Commission, whose report — now resurfacing — allegedly made serious findings against the Chairman, including recommendations bordering on prosecution.
He argued that the present EFCC investigation bears the unmistakable fingerprints of retaliation, citing what he called illegal detention threats, media trials, procedural violations, and pre-judgment of his case.
Malami insisted that under the current EFCC leadership, he cannot receive a fair, impartial, or lawful investigation, stressing that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done.
Raising further alarm, Malami accused the EFCC of planning to rely on individuals already convicted by foreign courts and serving criminal sentences abroad as witnesses against him — a move he described as scandalous, desperate, and corrosive to Nigeria’s justice system.
In a dramatic escalation, Malami demanded either immediate prosecution or his release within 24 hours, citing constitutional provisions that prohibit indefinite detention without trial. He further called on the incumbent Attorney-General of the Federation to intervene and compel the EFCC Chairman to step aside in order to protect institutional credibility.
Malami made it clear that he seeks no political compromise or backroom settlement, declaring his readiness to clear his name openly before a court of competent jurisdiction.
As the allegations deepen, the unfolding battle raises troubling questions about political neutrality, accountability, and the future of Nigeria’s anti-corruption war.
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