Malami accuses EFCC of political witch-hunt, demands chairman’s recusal

The former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of subjecting him to a politically motivated investigation and detention, calling on the EFCC chairman, Olukoyede, to recuse himself from the matter.

Malami described the ongoing investigation and threatened prosecution as a witch-hunt allegedly triggered by his recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The former AGF alleged that the EFCC’s actions were driven by personal vendetta and historical animosity, rather than legitimate law enforcement concerns.

He recalled that while serving as AGF, the federal government set up the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate allegations of corruption within the EFCC, during which Olukoyede served as secretary.

Malami, in a statement issued on Monday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Doka, said the Salami report, which is publicly available, contained findings implicating the EFCC chairman, including recommendations for possible prosecution.

He stated that this background casts doubt on the objectivity of the ongoing investigation against him.

The former minister alleged that the probe has been characterised by illegal detention, media harassment, and procedural abuses, insisting that he has already been prejudged and cannot receive a fair investigation under the current leadership of the anti-graft agency.

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He therefore demanded that the EFCC chairman step aside from the case and that the investigation be transferred to another appropriate government agency to ensure credibility and public confidence.

Malami also called on the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to intervene and ensure the recusal of the EFCC chairman to prevent what he described as further abuse of prosecutorial powers.

The former AGF equally demanded either his immediate prosecution or release, urging the EFCC to file charges and arraign him before a court of competent jurisdiction within 24 hours, in line with constitutional provisions.

He further accused the EFCC of attempting to rely on individuals convicted by foreign courts and serving criminal sentences abroad as witnesses against him, describing the move as an abuse of process.

Malami disclosed that his legal team has formally requested certified true copies of the petitions and investigation reports forming the basis of the probe to enable him prepare his defence.

Malami maintained that he seeks no political settlement or inducement, insisting that his only objective is to clear his name transparently before a competent court.

“The law must remain supreme—above politics, above power, and above persons,” he stated.

The Star