A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has dismissed the bail application of Abubakar Malami, former Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, affirming that his continued detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is lawful and backed by a valid court order.
Malami, who has been in EFCC custody since 8 December 2025 in connection with a wide‑ranging corruption investigation, sought bail on the grounds that his detention was unconstitutional and unlawful. His legal team argued that the ongoing probe and circumstances of his confinement violated his fundamental rights.
However, Justice Babangida Hassan ruled that the EFCC’s detention of Malami is supported by a valid remand order issued by a separate FCT High Court, referencing provisions of Section 35 of the Nigerian Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. The judge held that granting bail would amount to improperly second‑guessing a court order from a coordinate jurisdiction.
The EFCC had obtained the remand order to facilitate its ongoing investigations, which reportedly involve allegations of money laundering, abuse of office and other financial offences linked to Malami’s tenure as AGF. The commission’s counsel emphasised that its actions are in strict compliance with legal procedures governing detention in the course of criminal inquiries.
With the bail bid rejected, Malami remains in EFCC custody as the anti‑graft agency continues its investigation into the allegations, which have drawn attention from legal and political commentators across the country.
