EFCC dismisses claims of political bias, says Malami’s bail not revoked

Abubakar Malami, Nigeria’s minister of justice and attorney-general

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rejected claims by Abubakar Malami, a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice that his administrative bail was revoked over his attendance at a political gathering in Kebbi State, describing the allegation as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Dele Oyewale, its Head of Media and Publicity, the anti-graft agency said it was compelled to respond to the claims despite its reluctance to engage media controversies surrounding its operations.

According to the EFCC, Malami was granted administrative bail after a brief interrogation on November 28, 2025, pending the conclusion of investigations and possible arraignment in court.

Read also: EFCC playing politics with Malami’s bail revocation – ADC

The Commission explained that administrative bail is a discretionary and temporary reprieve granted to suspects under clearly stated conditions.

The EFCC disclosed that Malami’s provisional bail was subject to five specific conditions, all of which he acknowledged and signed.

However, the Commission said the former minister has failed to meet any of the requirements or demonstrate readiness to comply with them since the bail was granted.

The agency further stated that Malami was scheduled to return for further interrogation on December 1, 2025, but sought an adjournment on health grounds.

“In a letter dated December 4, 2025, Malami reportedly pleaded with the Commission to allow him attend to what he described as ill-health”, EFCC said.

The EFCC said it compassionately granted the request, even though his bail conditions had not been fulfilled.

“His reporting date was consequently shifted from December 1 to December 4, 2025, largely to accommodate his request”, it added.

However, the Commission noted that Malami neither submitted a medical report nor provided any credible proof to substantiate his claim of ill-health.

According to the statement, the Commission could not allow the latitude extended to the former minister to hinder ongoing investigations.

“As a result, Malami was invited again on December 8, 2025, for further interrogation and was detained pending the fulfillment of his outstanding bail conditions”, it said.

The EFCC maintained that, contrary to Malami’s public assertions, his bail was never revoked.

It also dismissed as “ridiculous” claims that the Commission barred him from granting media interviews or participating in political activities in Kebbi State.

Describing such allegations as “bogus,” the EFCC stressed that it has no interest in the political affiliation or activities of its suspects.

The Commission reiterated its apolitical stance, noting that a former governor and senior member of the ruling party was recently arraigned over alleged contract fraud, underscoring its commitment to impartial law enforcement.

The EFCC advised Malami to focus on meeting the five bail conditions he voluntarily accepted rather than resorting to what it described as attempts to whip up public sentiment through false media narratives.

The Commission also urged the former chief law officer of the federation to cooperate fully with investigators in the interest of due process and the rule of law.

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