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By Lizzy Chirkpi
Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has declared that he holds no regrets over decisions taken during his time in office, despite his ongoing legal battles and recent detention.
Speaking after regaining his freedom, Malami insisted he would contest the allegations against him, describing his experience in custody as part of a divine process.
“I have been in the EFCC custody, Kuje Prison, and also with the DSS,” he said in an interview with DCL Hausa. “I see everything that has happened as the will of God, and I accept it. But I will defend myself against all the allegations.”
Malami, alongside his wife, Bashir Asabe, and son, Abdulaziz Malami, is currently facing a 16-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC). All defendants have pleaded not guilty.
The former minister was initially detained and later rearrested on January 19 by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) shortly after his release from Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja. He subsequently accused the agency of restricting his access to family members and legal counsel.
“They denied me access to my family and my lawyers at a critical time,” he alleged.
Malami also raised concerns over what he described as procedural violations during the investigation, claiming that security operatives conducted searches on his properties without his presence.
“My houses and business premises were searched without notifying me,” he said. “Constitutionally, I have the right to be present during such searches to know what is being investigated or taken.”
Despite the legal pressure, Malami maintained a firm stance on his record in office. “I have no regrets about what I did during my tenure as minister,” he stated.
Malami’s current troubles stem from multiple investigations involving allegations of financial misconduct and, more recently, terrorism-related claims. The charges filed by the EFCC focus primarily on alleged money laundering involving large sums of money traced to him and members of his family.
In addition to the EFCC case, he has also been entangled in separate security related allegations, which led to his detention by the DSS earlier this year.
On February 27, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to Malami and his son in the sum of ₦200 million each in connection with terrorism-related offences. The court imposed strict bail conditions, which he has since met, paving the way for his release.
Malami, who served as Nigeria’s chief law officer and was once at the forefront of the government’s anti-corruption drive. His tenure was, however, not without controversy, he was frequently accused of selective prosecutions and political bias.
Now facing prosecution himself, the former minister appears set for a prolonged legal fight, as multiple agencies continue to pursue cases against him.