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Abubakar Malami Alleges Interference by Security Agencies in Legal Proceedings
The former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has publicly accused Nigerian state security bodies of engaging in actions that undermine his constitutional right to a fair trial and hinder his capacity to mount an effective defense in court.
Claims of Obstruction by EFCC and DSS
In a statement released on Friday by Malami’s spokesperson, Mohammed Bello Doka, it was asserted that both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) have deliberately taken measures to obstruct due process. These actions, according to the statement, violate fundamental rights enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.
Delays in Bail Procedures
Malami was granted bail by the Federal High Court following charges brought against him by the EFCC. However, his office alleges that the EFCC failed to promptly submit his international passports to the court, a necessary step to finalize the bail conditions. This delay, reportedly lasting about a week, extended Malami’s detention unnecessarily and stalled the enforcement of the court’s bail order.
Rearrest and Detention by DSS
Shortly after completing the bail formalities and being released from Kuje Custodial Centre, Malami was reportedly rearrested by the DSS. The statement claims he was detained for five days without access to legal counsel or family members. His lawyers were only permitted to meet him after several days of isolation and procedural delays.
Impact on Legal Defense Preparation
This period of detention by the DSS coincided with a critical phase in Malami’s legal battle, specifically regarding an interim forfeiture case filed by the EFCC before the Federal High Court. The timing of these events, his office contends, has significantly hampered his ability to prepare an adequate defense.
Context and Broader Implications
These developments come amid heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, with the EFCC playing a central role in prosecuting high-profile cases. According to recent data from Transparency International, Nigeria ranks 150th out of 180 countries on the Corruption Perceptions Index (2023), underscoring ongoing challenges in governance and judicial fairness.
Malami’s allegations highlight concerns about the balance between law enforcement and the protection of individual rights, raising questions about the independence of security agencies and the judiciary in politically sensitive cases.
