Detained former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, today demanded that Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman Ola Olukoyede recuse himself from overseeing his investigation.
Malami cited clear bias and personal vendetta as reasons for this call. He also insisted on either immediate arraignment before a competent court or unconditional release within 24 hours, in line with constitutional provisions.
Malami's statement, released through his media aide Muhammad Doka, highlighted the need for fairness in the probe. He linked the alleged bias to his role during the Buhari administration, where he oversaw the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry into EFCC corruption.
Olukoyede, then the commission's secretary, faced adverse findings in the Salami Report. "I have been clearly pre-judged and cannot receive a fair, objective or lawful investigation under the current leadership of the EFCC," Malami stated.
The former AGF accused the EFCC of illegal detention, media trial, and procedural violations. He claimed the investigation reflects retaliatory persecution driven by vengeance and politics, especially following his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Malami further criticized the agency for planning to use witnesses convicted abroad, calling it "desperate, scandalous and corrosive to the integrity of Nigeria’s criminal justice system."
Invoking Sections 35(3), (4), and (5) of the 1999 Constitution, Malami demanded compliance to prevent unlawful detention. He urged the current Attorney-General to intervene and transfer the case to another agency for credibility. His legal team requested certified copies of triggering petitions and the EFCC's investigation report.
"Let it be stated clearly: I seek no political settlement or inducement. My singular objective is to clear my name openly and transparently before a court of competent jurisdiction," Malami emphasized. He warned that failure to act could damage Nigeria's anti-corruption institutions.
The EFCC has detained Malami over unmet administrative bail conditions amid probes into terrorism financing and other allegations, which he denies. The agency rejected claims of political bias, stating operations follow legal guidelines.