Malami to Remain in EFCC Custody as Court Gives Approval

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…Malami has accused the agency of bias in handling his case.

ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Malami (SAN), former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has had his continued detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) upheld by a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.

Justice Babangida Hassan on Thursday dismissed a bail application filed by Malami, who had challenged his detention by the anti-graft agency.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated that the ruling was delivered on December 18, 2025. According to the statement, Malami, through his lawyer Suliaman Hassan (SAN), had petitioned the court for bail, arguing that his detention during an ongoing investigation was unlawful.

However, EFCC counsel J. S. Okutepa (SAN) contended that the former minister’s detention was based on a valid remand order issued by the FCT High Court and granted by Justice S. C. Oriji.

Justice Hassan, citing Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), held that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act allows for lawful detention under a court-issued remand order, affirming the legality of his detention.

The judge added, “Requesting this court to grant this application is tantamount to inviting the court to act as an appellate court over an application made by a court of coordinate jurisdiction, which this court has no authority to do.”

Malami has been in custody since December 8 after failing to meet the bail conditions set by the EFCC. He is under investigation for 18 alleged offences, including abuse of office and terrorism financing. The EFCC confirmed it searched his properties in Abuja and Kebbi State, though Malami has accused the agency of bias in handling his case.