By Harriet Tornguvan
The Office of the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has debunked media reports suggesting he failed to meet bail conditions set by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement issued by Mohammed Bello Doka, Special Assistant on Media to the former AGF, the office described the reports as misleading and clarified that Malami did not default on any bail condition.
According to the statement, the EFCC revoked Malami’s bail following his attendance at a political gathering in Kebbi State not due to any failure or refusal to comply with lawful directives.
Malami was earlier granted bail in connection with allegations of money laundering and abuse of office claims he has consistently denied and for which he has provided detailed explanations. Among the subsequent bail conditions imposed was a restriction barring him from media interviews and, controversially, from participating in political activities within Kebbi State.
Doka noted that the condition restricting Malami from engaging in political activities in his home state constituted a violation of his fundamental rights, including freedom of association, movement, and political participation. He described the restriction as unconstitutional and incompatible with democratic governance.
Over the weekend, Malami visited Kebbi State, where he was a prominent political figure and leader within the ADC. He was received by supporters and addressed them in what the statement described as a peaceful and customary political engagement. Upon returning to Abuja on Monday at the invitation of the EFCC, his bail was revoked.
“This development raises an important question,” the statement said. “What is the connection between allegations of money laundering and the attendance of a political event? Political activity bears no reasonable or legal link to allegations of financial or administrative misconduct.”
The office further questioned why Malami was restricted only from political activity in Kebbi State, saying it underscores a political undertone to the action taken against him.
The statement stressed that political participation is a constitutionally protected right and cannot be deemed interference in an ongoing investigation. It also noted that after the revocation, new bail conditions were presented, and Malami immediately expressed readiness to comply. However, he was not allowed to perfect the bail before being taken into custody.
Doka emphasized that while the EFCC has the constitutional mandate to investigate and prosecute suspects, it does not have the authority to suppress political participation or curtail constitutional freedoms.
“The revocation of Malami’s bail over lawful political activity, especially in his home state, strongly suggests a political motive rather than legal necessity,” the office stated.
Malami, according to the statement, remains committed to the rule of law and confident that justice will prevail. The public was urged to disregard sensational reports and view the situation within its proper constitutional and political context.
