The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), that his detention was linked to his attendance at a political gathering in Kebbi State.
According to the anti-graft agency, Malami was detained solely for failing to meet the conditions attached to the administrative bail earlier granted to him.
In a statement issued on Saturday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale explained that Malami was offered provisional administrative bail following a brief interrogation on November 28, 2025, pending the conclusion of investigations and possible arraignment.
Oyewale said the bail was subject to five clearly stated conditions, none of which the former minister had fulfilled.
“Administrative bail is a discretionary and temporary relief granted to a suspect pending the conclusion of investigation and arraignment in court,” Oyewale stated.
“Following his interrogation on November 28, 2025, Malami was granted provisional bail subject to five conditions. He has neither met any of these requirements nor shown readiness to comply with them.”
He disclosed that Malami was expected to report back for further interrogation on December 1, 2025, but wrote to the commission on December 4 requesting a postponement on the grounds of ill-health.
The EFCC said it granted the request despite the fact that the bail conditions remained unmet.
However, Oyewale noted that Malami failed to submit any medical report or credible evidence to substantiate his claim of ill-health.
“He was initially required to resume on December 1, 2025, but this was deferred to December 4 at his request. He neither provided a medical report nor any credible proof of ill-health,” the EFCC spokesperson said.
According to the commission, Malami was subsequently invited again on December 8, 2025, for further interrogation and was detained pending compliance with the outstanding bail conditions.
Oyewale dismissed claims that Malami’s bail was revoked, describing them as false and misleading.
He also rejected allegations that the EFCC barred the former minister from granting media interviews or participating in political activities.
“It is untenable to claim that the EFCC revoked his bail. It is equally ridiculous to insinuate that the commission barred him from granting media interviews or engaging in political activities in Kebbi State,” Oyewale said, adding that the EFCC has no interest in the political affiliations of suspects.
The commission urged Malami to comply with the bail conditions he acknowledged and signed on November 28, 2025, and to cooperate fully with investigators.
Malami has remained in EFCC custody since Monday over his failure to meet the bail requirements.
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 Malami’s detention.
