The controversy surrounding former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, has intensified, with human rights activist Deji Adeyanju urging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ignore the former minister’s claims of persecution and prosecute him fully.
In a rebuke of Malami’s statement, which accused the EFCC leadership of “deep-seated historical animosity” and “personal vendetta” following his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Adeyanju branded the former AGF’s counter-attack as “unfortunate.”
Adeyanju insisted the EFCC has a clear duty to investigate Malami’s stewardship, particularly concerning the handling of recovered public funds.
“The EFCC should proceed without hesitation to investigate Mr. Malami, particularly in relation to his stewardship while in office of all issues surrounding the Abacha loot,” Adeyanju stated.
He reminded Malami that public service demands accountability, saying: “Public office is a trust, and all past and present public officials must be prepared to give a full account of how that trust was exercised.”
Adeyanju pointed to Malami’s own record to dismiss his current posture of victimisation, arguing that Malami showed no restraint in his use of state power against others while he held office.
“Malami showed no restraint while in government and wielded state power against everyone including members of the opposition. Having subjected others to prosecution, he cannot now escape from the same process,” Adeyanju added.
The activist’s statement came just hours after Malami demanded that the EFCC either arraign him within 24 hours or release him, citing constitutional provisions against unlawful detention.
Malami had earlier called for the immediate recusal of the EFCC Chairman from the ongoing investigation, alleging his probe – which has included “illegal detention, media harassment and procedural abuse” – was political persecution linked to his recent defection.
Malami claimed the investigation stems from an old grudge linked to the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which investigated the EFCC while Malami was AGF.
”I have been clearly pre-judged and cannot receive a fair, objective or lawful investigation under the current leadership of the EFCC,” Malami had said.
The EFCC had earlier detained Malami for failing to meet his administrative bail conditions but denied the claims of political persecution, insisting its actions are guided strictly by law.