The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been accused of openly defying a court order, illegally detaining former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, and subjecting him to a media trial.
In a statement issued on December 23, 2025, by Malami’s office, the former justice minister alleged that the EFCC refused to comply with a bail order granted by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, admitting him to bail after meeting all stipulated conditions.
According to the statement, EFCC officials were duly served with the court order but allegedly rejected the court-backed letter, chased away the bailiff, and insisted on Malami’s continued detention. The office described the action as “brazen, contemptuous, and lawless,” accusing the anti-graft agency of placing itself above the authority of the courts.
The statement further claimed that Malami had been detained for over 14 days without being arraigned before any court of competent jurisdiction, describing the prolonged detention as illegal, unconstitutional, and a violation of his fundamental rights.
It added that the EFCC was relying on an earlier High Court order that permitted Malami’s detention for a maximum of 14 days, which, according to the statement, expired on the same day. The office argued that the EFCC was legally required to either arrange him or release him immediately, but allegedly failed to do either.
Malami’s office also accused the commission of conducting a “media trial” by leaking selective information to the press in an attempt to sway public opinion, rather than subjecting the allegations against him to judicial determination.
“The Commission’s actions leave no doubt that it has abandoned its statutory mandate and allowed itself to be deployed as a tool of political persecution,” the statement said, warning that disobedience to court orders by a security agency poses a threat to democracy and the rule of law.
Reaffirming Malami’s willingness to submit to due process, the office stressed that the former attorney general rejects what it described as “trial by detention” and “trial by media.”
The statement called on the judiciary to take urgent notice of the alleged contempt of court, urged relevant oversight bodies to hold the EFCC accountable, and appealed to Nigerians to speak out against what it described as a dangerous precedent.
“No agency, no matter how powerful, is above the law,” the statement concluded.
The EFCC has yet to publicly respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
