By Peter Omopo
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed claims by a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), that his bail was revoked because of his attendance at a political gathering in Kebbi State.
The anti-graft agency said Malami was detained after failing to meet the conditions attached to the administrative bail granted to him following his interrogation on November 28, 2025.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the commission explained that Malami was offered provisional administrative bail pending the conclusion of investigations and possible arraignment in court. Oyewale stressed that the bail was subject to five conditions, none of which the former minister had fulfilled.
“Administrative bail is a discretionary temporary reprieve that allows a suspect to be released on stated conditions pending the conclusion of investigation and arraignment in court,” Oyewale said. “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.”
According to the EFCC, Malami was expected to return for further interrogation on December 1, 2025, but requested a postponement through a letter dated December 4, citing ill health. Oyewale said the commission granted the request on compassionate grounds, even though the bail conditions had not been met.
He added that Malami failed to provide any medical report or credible evidence to support his claim of ill health, noting that his reporting date was deferred from December 1 to December 4 to accommodate the request.
The EFCC said Malami was subsequently invited again on December 8, 2025, for further interrogation and was detained pending compliance with the outstanding bail conditions.
“The EFCC cannot allow the latitude granted the former minister on health grounds to stand in the way of investigations,” Oyewale said. “He was therefore invited again on December 8, 2025, for further interrogation and detained until the pending bail conditions are met.”
The commission described as false Malami’s claim that his bail was revoked and rejected allegations that he was barred from granting media interviews or participating in political activities.
“It is untenable to claim that his bail was revoked,” Oyewale said. “It is equally ridiculous to insinuate that the commission barred him from granting media interviews or participating in political activities. The EFCC has no interest in the political affiliation of its suspects.”
The EFCC advised the former minister to comply with the bail conditions he acknowledged and signed on November 28, 2025, and to cooperate fully with investigators.
Malami has been in EFCC custody since Monday over his failure to meet the bail conditions. He is reportedly being investigated for 18 alleged offences, including abuse of office and terrorism financing.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress has accused the EFCC of politicising the matter surrounding the former attorney-general’s detention.
