Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has clarified that former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami remains in detention because he failed to satisfy the conditions attached to his administrative bail, not due to political activities as claimed.
The former minister, who is being investigated for 18 alleged offences, including money laundering, abuse of office, and terrorism financing, had his bail withdrawn after failing to meet five stipulated conditions.
In a statement released on Saturday, the EFCC disputed allegations made by Malami’s media aide, Mohammed Bello Doka, who claimed the bail revocation was politically motivated and linked to the former AGF’s attendance at a political event in Kebbi State.
According to the commission, Malami was granted provisional administrative bail on November 28 following a brief interrogation, subject to five specific conditions which he has neither met nor shown willingness to fulfill.
The agency explained that Malami was scheduled to return for further questioning on December 1 but instead submitted a letter on December 4 requesting postponement on health grounds. The EFCC granted this request out of compassion, despite the outstanding bail conditions.
However, the commission noted that Malami failed to provide a medical report or credible evidence supporting his health claims. When he was subsequently invited on December 8 for continued interrogation, he was detained pending fulfillment of the bail terms.
The EFCC firmly rejected suggestions that the detention was connected to political activities or media statements, describing such claims as unfounded. The agency emphasized its apolitical stance and lack of interest in suspects’ political affiliations.
The commission urged the former minister to concentrate on meeting the bail requirements he acknowledged and signed, and to cooperate fully with investigators rather than making what it termed misleading public statements.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
