The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly rejected claims by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, that his bail was revoked because of his attendance at a political event in Kebbi State. The Commission insisted that Malami’s continued detention is not politically motivated but is due to his failure to comply with the conditions of his bail.
In a statement issued yesterday and signed by Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the EFCC said: “While the Commission typically does not engage in media debates regarding its operations, it is compelled to respond to the false assertion by a former Attorney-General that his bail was revoked over a political gathering in Kebbi.”
The EFCC clarified that administrative bail is a discretionary, temporary measure granted to suspects pending the conclusion of investigations and potential arraignment in court. Malami was initially granted provisional administrative bail following an interrogation on November 28, 2025, subject to five specific conditions—none of which he has fulfilled.
According to the Commission, Malami was scheduled to report for further questioning on December 1, 2025, but he requested an excuse on December 4, citing ill health. The EFCC granted this request on compassionate grounds, even though the bail conditions remained unmet.
“In a curious development, the former minister requested to be excused for health reasons. The Commission, acting compassionately, allowed his request despite outstanding bail conditions,” Oyewale stated. However, the EFCC noted that Malami failed to provide any medical documentation or credible evidence to substantiate his health claims.
As a result, the investigation continued, and Malami was re-invited for further interrogation on December 8, 2025. He was detained pending the fulfillment of the remaining bail conditions. “The EFCC cannot permit the latitude given on health grounds to obstruct the investigative process,” Oyewale emphasized.
Responding to allegations of political interference, the Commission described as “baseless” claims that it restricted Malami from giving media interviews or participating in political activities in Kebbi. The EFCC stressed that it does not consider the political affiliations of its suspects.
“Such claims from a former chief law officer are misleading, as the EFCC operates independently and does not discriminate based on political alignment,” Oyewale said, noting that the agency has previously arraigned members of the ruling party over alleged contract fraud, demonstrating its impartiality.
The EFCC urged Malami to focus on fulfilling the bail conditions he agreed to, rather than making unsubstantiated statements in the media, and called on him to cooperate fully with investigators to allow the matter to proceed without distraction.
