The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed as false claims by a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, alleging that his bail was revoked over attendance at a political gathering in Kebbi State.
In a statement, the Commission said it was compelled to respond to what it described as patently false assertions circulating in the media, noting that it is ordinarily not inclined to join issues over its operations in public discourse.
The EFCC explained that administrative bail is a discretionary and temporary measure granted to suspects, allowing their release on specified conditions pending the conclusion of investigations and possible arraignment in court. According to the Commission, following his brief interrogation on November 28, 2025, Malami was granted provisional bail subject to five conditions.
It stated that the former minister has neither met any of the stipulated conditions nor demonstrated readiness to comply with them.
The Commission disclosed that Malami was scheduled to return for further interrogation on December 1, 2025. However, through a letter dated December 4, 2025, he appealed to the EFCC to excuse his absence on the grounds of ill health. The request was granted on compassionate grounds, despite his failure to meet the bail requirements.
According to the EFCC, his initial reporting date was deferred to December 4, 2025, based on his request for adjournment due to ill health. The Commission added that Malami neither submitted a medical report nor provided any credible proof to substantiate his claim of illness.
The EFCC stated that it could not allow the indulgence granted on health grounds to obstruct the ongoing investigation. Consequently, Malami was invited again for further interrogation on December 8, 2025 and was detained pending the fulfilment of the outstanding bail conditions.
The Commission described as untenable the claim that his bail was revoked, stressing that the conditions attached to the administrative bail had simply not been met. It also dismissed as “ridiculous” allegations that Malami was barred from granting media interviews or participating in political activities in Kebbi State.
According to the EFCC, the insinuation that its actions were politically motivated was unfounded, stressing that the Commission is apolitical and has no interest in the political affiliations of suspects. It noted that a former governor and senior member of the ruling party was recently arraigned by the Commission over alleged contract fraud, underscoring its non-partisan approach.
The EFCC advised Malami to focus on fulfilling the five bail conditions which he acknowledged and signed on November 28, 2025, and to cooperate fully with investigators rather than resort to what it described as false claims in the media.
