EFCC Denies Political Bias, Reveals Why Malami Is Still Detained

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has dismissed claims made by former Attorney General of the Federation(AGF), Abubakar Malami.

Malami had alleged that the anti-graft agency withdrew his bail because he attended a political event in Kebbi State.

He is currently under investigation over 18 allegations, including money laundering, abuse of office, and terrorism financing.

On Friday, Malami denied breaching any of his bail terms, claiming that the EFCC acted against him solely because of his political engagement.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Abubakar Malami, SAN did not default on any bail condition,’ he had said.

“His bail was revoked by the EFCC following his attendance at a political gathering in Kebbi State, not because he failed or refused to comply with any lawful requirement.” 

Reacting to Malami’s comment, the EFCC issued a statement on Saturday describing his claims as untrue.

The commission explained that administrative bail is not a right but a temporary privilege granted under specific conditions while investigations continue.

“Administrative bail is a discretionary temporary reprieve that allows a suspect to be released on stated conditions pending conclusion of investigation and arraignment in court,” the EFCC said.

“To this effect, after his brief interrogation on November 28, 2025, Malami was offered provisional bail hinged on five requirements. He has neither met any of the requirements nor shown readiness to keep faith with them.

“He was due back for further interrogation on December 1, 2025 , but in a curious twist, the former Minister pleaded with his investigators through a letter written to the Commission on December 4, 2025, to allow him to attend to his ‘ill-health’.

“The Commission compassionately granted his plea even while his bail conditions had not been met.

“He was initially required to commence reporting for further investigations on December 1, 2025 but this had to be deferred to December 4, 2025 largely owing to his ‘Request for an Adjournment on Grounds of Ill- Health’.”

However, the agency noted that Malami did not submit any medical report or credible evidence to support his claim of ill-health.

“The EFCC cannot allow the latitude granted the former Minister on his health stand in the way of investigations,” EFCC said.

“On this score, he was invited again on December 8, 2025 for further interrogation and detained until the pending bail conditions are met.

“Evidently, the former minister’s claims of revocation of bail by the EFCC are untenable. It is equally ridiculous to insinuate that the Commission barred him ‘from granting media interviews and from participating in political activities in Kebbi State’.

“Such bogus claims from a former chief law officer of the nation are strange, as the EFCC has no interest in the political affiliation of its suspects. It bears reiterating that the Commission is apolitical.

‘A former governor and ranking member of the ruling party was recently arraigned for alleged contract fraud.

“The Commission wishes to advise Malami to expend his energy on meeting the five bail conditions he acknowledged and signed on November 28, 2025.

“It would also serve his interest to cooperate with his team of interrogators rather than dissipate energy in whipping up sentiments through false claims in the media.”

KanyiDaily recalls that Abubakar Malami is under investigation for 18 alleged offences, including money laundering, abuse of office, and financing terrorism.