The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has explained the circumstances surrounding the detention of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, dismissing claims that his bail was revoked because he attended a political gathering in Kebbi State.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the anti-graft agency described Malami’s claims as “patently false,” insisting that he was never granted substantive bail but only offered administrative bail, which is provisional and subject to clearly stated conditions.
According to the EFCC, Malami was interrogated on November 28, 2025, after which he was offered provisional bail based on five conditions. The commission said the former minister acknowledged and signed the bail terms but has “neither met any of the requirements nor shown readiness to keep faith with them.”
The agency disclosed that Malami was expected to return for further interrogation on December 1, 2025, but wrote to the commission on December 4, requesting an adjournment on grounds of ill-health. The EFCC said it granted the request on compassionate grounds, despite the fact that he had not fulfilled his bail conditions.
However, the commission noted that Malami failed to provide any medical report or credible proof to support his claim of ill-health.
“The EFCC cannot allow the latitude granted the former minister on his health stand in the way of investigations,” the statement said, adding that Malami was subsequently invited again on December 8, 2025, for further interrogation and was detained pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.
The EFCC maintained that there was no revocation of bail, stressing that Malami was merely held because he failed to meet the conditions attached to his administrative bail.
The commission also dismissed claims that it barred the former minister from granting media interviews or participating in political activities, describing such allegations as “bogus” and “ridiculous.”
“The EFCC has no interest in the political affiliation of its suspects. The Commission is apolitical,” it said, citing the recent arraignment of a former governor and senior member of the ruling party as evidence of its impartiality.
The agency advised Malami to focus on meeting his bail conditions and cooperating with investigators rather than “whipping up sentiments through false claims in the media.”
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the EFCC of acting with political bias in its handling of Malami’s case.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party alleged that the anti-graft agency was “playing partisan politics,” arguing that Malami did not violate any of the legal conditions attached to his bail.
The ADC said the timing of the detention, following Malami’s attendance at a political gathering in Kebbi State, “raises serious questions about the EFCC’s motive.”
While affirming its support for genuine anti-corruption efforts, the party warned that selective investigations could undermine the credibility of the fight against corruption.
“By barring a citizen from political activity, the EFCC arrogates to itself powers it does not possess under the Constitution,” the party said.
The ADC called for Malami’s immediate release on bail without conditions it described as stifling his political rights.
Responding to the accusation, the EFCC reiterated that its actions were strictly in line with its mandate to investigate alleged financial misconduct and denied acting on political considerations.
Malami, who is under investigation over allegations involving multiple bank accounts, has maintained his innocence. His lawyers insist that he has cooperated fully with investigators and did not breach any bail conditions.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
