Malami Accuses EFCC Chairman of Intimidation, Demands Recusal Amid Probe
Former Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of intimidation and bias in its ongoing investigation of him, intensifying a high-profile clash between the ex-minister and Nigeria’s anti-graft agency.
In a statement released through his media aide, Malami alleged that recent actions by the EFCC — including raids on his offices and residences in Abuja and Kebbi State — amounted to a coordinated attempt to intimidate him and suppress portions of the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry report that are critical of the EFCC chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.
He described the commission’s conduct as prejudicial and aimed at undermining his legal and constitutional rights.
Malami further demanded the recusal of EFCC Chairman Olukoyede from the investigation, arguing that the chairman cannot be impartial given the sensitive nature of the allegations contained in the Salami report.
He has called on the Attorney-General of the Federation to get intervene and assign another law enforcement agency to handle the matter, asserting that this is necessary to preserve public confidence in the integrity of the investigation.
Additionally, Malami requested either his immediate arraignment before a competent court or his release within 24 hours, citing the constitutional guarantees of due process and the right to a fair hearing.
His legal team raised concerns about the basis of the EFCC investigation, noting that the commission might be relying on information from individuals convicted abroad, which he described as potentially prejudicial and damaging to the Nigerian justice system.
The EFCC, however, has rejected these allegations of intimidation and bias, insisting that the commission is acting strictly within its statutory mandate to investigate and prosecute economic and financial crimes.
A spokesperson for the agency described Malami’s claims as unfounded and insisted that the probe is conducted in accordance with the law.
The standoff has drawn reactions from civil society and political commentators.
Some have condemned what they see as heavy-handed tactics by the EFCC, calling for independent oversight to ensure fairness. Others argue that Malami should submit to the investigation and allow the legal process to proceed without obstruction.
The controversy underscores broader concerns in Nigeria regarding the independence of anti-corruption agencies, the role of political influence in high-profile investigations, and the balance between law enforcement powers and individual constitutional rights.
