Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has vowed to defend himself against allegations leveled against him, insisting that he is proud of his actions during his tenure in office.
In a recent interview conducted in Hausa, Malami stated that his rights were violated when security agencies allegedly searched his residence and business premises without his consent. “I have spent time in EFCC custody, Kuje Prison, and with the DSS. I believe it is all God’s will and I accept it, but I will defend myself against the allegations,” he said.
Malami emphasized that constitutional provisions guarantee him the right to be present during searches to oversee investigations of his property and to know exactly what items are being sought or seized. He stressed, “They violated my rights by searching my houses and business premises without notifying me during the investigation. I have no regrets regarding what I did during my time as a minister.”
The former minister and his family are currently facing a 16-count charge related to alleged money laundering, brought against him, his wife, Bashir Asabe, and his son, Abdulaziz, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). All parties have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Malami’s statements come amid heightened public scrutiny, as legal experts and civil society groups continue to debate the broader implications of the case for governance and accountability in Nigeria. While some see the prosecution as a test of the nation’s anti-corruption framework, others have raised concerns over the conduct of the investigation, particularly regarding due process and procedural fairness.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Malami remains resolute. His position underscores a determination to challenge the charges in court and defend his record as a public official. Analysts note that the case will likely attract considerable attention in the coming weeks, given Malami’s prominence as a former top government lawyer and his influential role in shaping Nigeria’s legal and justice landscape.
As the proceedings unfold, all eyes will be on the courts to see how the case against Malami and his family progresses, and whether it will set a precedent for the handling of high-profile corruption and financial crime cases in the country.
