Abubakar Malami asks EFCC chairman to recuse himself
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has asked the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to recuse himself from any investigation involving him, insisting that the anti-graft boss cannot objectively handle the matter. Malami made the demand while reacting to reports linking him to an ongoing EFCC probe.
Malami argued that the EFCC chairman has a conflict of interest that makes it improper for him to oversee or influence any investigation connected to his tenure in office. He maintained that due process and fairness require the commission’s leadership to step aside in situations where impartiality could reasonably be questioned. According to him, allowing such an investigation to proceed under the current circumstances would undermine public confidence in the integrity of the process.
The former justice minister also dismissed allegations circulating in the public space, describing them as politically motivated and aimed at damaging his reputation. He said he remains ready to cooperate with any lawful investigation conducted in line with established rules, provided it is handled by officials without personal or institutional bias. Malami stressed that accountability must go hand in hand with fairness and respect for the rule of law.
The EFCC has not issued a formal response to Malami’s statement at the time of reporting. The development has added a new dimension to public debates around anti-corruption investigations, independence of institutions, and the need for transparent processes involving former public office holders.
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