No Escape For Malami, Adeyanju Tells EFCC As Abacha Loot Probe Intensifies

Adeyanju described Malami’s recent accusations against the EFCC leadership—alleging long-standing animosity and personal vendetta following his defection to the African Democratic Congress—as regrettable, insisting they should not distract the anti-graft agency from its statutory responsibilities.

He maintained that the EFCC has an obligation to thoroughly examine Malami’s tenure in office, particularly with regard to issues connected to the management of recovered public funds, including the Abacha loot. Adeyanju stressed that accountability remains a cornerstone of public service, noting that all individuals who have held public office must be willing to account for their actions while in government.

The activist further rejected Malami’s portrayal of himself as a victim, arguing that the former AGF exercised state power extensively during his time in office and showed little restraint in prosecuting others, including political opponents. According to Adeyanju, having once overseen prosecutions, Malami cannot now seek exemption from the same legal scrutiny.

Adeyanju’s remarks followed shortly after Malami issued a public demand that the EFCC either arraign him within 24 hours or release him, citing constitutional safeguards against unlawful detention. Malami also called for the immediate recusal of the EFCC Chairman from his case, alleging that the investigation—marked, in his words, by unlawful detention, media harassment and procedural irregularities—was politically motivated and linked to his recent party defection.

The former AGF further claimed that the probe was rooted in an old grievance connected to the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which examined the EFCC during Malami’s tenure. He asserted that he had already been prejudged and could not expect a fair and impartial investigation under the current EFCC leadership.

In response, the EFCC confirmed that Malami had been detained for failing to comply with administrative bail conditions, firmly denying allegations of political persecution and reiterating that its actions are guided strictly by the rule of law.