THIS DAWN — Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has spent at least his fourth consecutive night in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after failing to meet the bail conditions imposed on him by the anti-graft agency.
Malami was taken into EFCC custody earlier this week following his appearance at the Commission’s Abuja headquarters.
He was invited for questioning over a range of alleged financial and administrative irregularities linked to his tenure in office.
Investigations are reportedly focused on issues including:
- the handling of recovered assets,
- suspected abuse of office, and,
- other financial transactions said to have occurred while he served as Nigeria’s chief law officer.
Continued detention
Sources within the EFCC confirmed on Friday that the former minister had not perfected his bail, resulting in his continued detention.
According to the sources, Malami was granted administrative bail shortly after his interrogation but was required to fulfil specific conditions.
The conditions include provision of sureties and documentation acceptable to the Commission.
Bail granted, conditions not met
“Bail was granted, but the conditions have not been met.
“Until that is done, he remains in custody,” an EFCC source told This Dawn.
Malami, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has denied wrongdoing in connection with the allegations.
Through associates, he has described some of the claims circulating in the media as misleading and politically motivated.
He insists that he acted within the law throughout his time in office.
The EFCC has, however, maintained that its actions are part of a broader effort to ensure accountability among former public officials.
Renewed focus on anti-corruption
The Commission placed particular emphasis on those who oversaw sensitive legal and financial matters.
The Commission has not yet filed formal charges against Malami but has indicated that investigations are ongoing.
Legal analysts told this medium that prolonged administrative detention following the grant of bail often reflects difficulties in meeting stringent conditions rather than a denial of bail itself.
They also point out that Malami retains the right to challenge any perceived excessive bail requirements in court.
As of Friday night, the former minister remained at the EFCC detention facility in Abuja.
It is unclear when he may be released, as this depends on his ability to satisfy the bail conditions or seek judicial intervention.
The development adds to a growing list of high-profile investigations involving former senior officials.
It underscores the renewed focus on anti-corruption enforcement in the country.
