Malami Accuses EFCC Chairman Of Bias, Demands Immediate Recusal

According to Ireporter Online, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has called for the immediate recusal of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman from an ongoing investigation involving him, citing alleged bias, personal vendetta, and political persecution linked to his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress.

In a statement released on Monday by his media aide, Muhammad Doka, Malami accused the EFCC of “illegal detention, media harassment, and procedural abuse,” stressing that the investigation was motivated by “deep-seated historical animosity” rather than genuine law enforcement concerns.

Malami contended that he had been pre-judged and could not expect a fair or lawful investigation under the current EFCC leadership. He traced his concerns back to his tenure as Attorney-General, referencing the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which investigated alleged corruption and misconduct within the EFCC. The current EFCC Chairman served as Secretary to the commission, and Malami noted that the Salami Report, now publicly available, contained findings unfavorable to him.

“The present investigation bears all the hallmarks of retaliatory persecution motivated by personal vengeance,” Malami asserted. On this basis, he urged the EFCC Chairman to step aside and called on the Attorney-General of the Federation to intervene, recommending that another law enforcement agency handle the matter to preserve credibility and public confidence.

Malami further demanded either immediate arraignment or release within 24 hours, citing provisions of Sections 35(3), (4), and (5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He emphasized that only a competent court, not a potentially politically compromised agency, can adjudicate the matter lawfully.

Additionally, Malami criticized the EFCC for reportedly considering individuals convicted abroad as potential witnesses, describing the approach as “desperate, scandalous, and corrosive to the integrity of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.” He argued that such persons should be subjects of extradition rather than witnesses.

The former AGF confirmed that his legal team had taken formal steps to protect his rights, including requests for certified copies of petitions and the EFCC investigation report to prepare his defense.

Malami concluded: “I seek no political settlement or inducement. My singular objective is to clear my name openly and transparently before a court of competent jurisdiction. Nigeria must not become a republic where anti-corruption agencies are tools of political intimidation. The law must remain supreme—above politics, above power and above persons.”

As of publication, the EFCC had not responded to Malami’s allegations.