The Society of Public Interest Lawyers in Nigeria (SPI-LAW) has petitioned the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to initiate disciplinary proceedings against former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, over alleged professional misconduct linked to the Mambilla hydropower project.
The group filed the petition on Monday, accusing Malami of “professional misconduct and infamous conduct” in connection with the federal government’s dispute with Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited.
Petition Follows ICC Tribunal Findings
SPI-LAW said its petition was based on findings made by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration tribunal in the case involving Sunrise Power and the Federal Government.
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The group said the tribunal made what it described as “damning, detailed and reasoned” findings concerning Malami’s handling of the dispute.
The petition was signed by Sadiya Saleh, SPI-LAW’s Director of Media and Publicity.
ICC Rules in Nigeria’s Favour
The petition followed an ICC tribunal ruling in Paris on September 17, in which Nigeria prevailed in a $2.35 billion claim brought by Sunrise Power over the Mambilla hydropower project.
The tribunal dismissed Sunrise’s claim that Nigeria had breached its contractual obligations under a settlement agreement and an addendum.
However, the tribunal criticised Malami’s handling of the dispute.
It said the former AGF maintained an “inappropriate relationship” with Leno Adesanya, promoter of Sunrise, and participated in what it described as a “corrupt deal” linked to the settlement agreements.
The tribunal also said Malami was effectively negotiating for Sunrise rather than the Federal Government when he altered the terms of a proposed $200 million settlement.
According to the tribunal, the changes potentially increased Nigeria’s exposure to $400 million, with interest accruing at 10 percent per annum compounded daily.
It further accused Malami of providing then-President Muhammadu Buhari with incorrect information about the financial implications of the settlement and repeatedly seeking presidential approval after Buhari had refused to approve it.
Malami Defends His Actions
In January 2020, Malami and then Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, signed a settlement under which Nigeria would pay Sunrise $200 million.
An addendum signed in March divided the amount into two $100 million instalments and exposed Nigeria to an additional $200 million default payment, apart from interest.
Reacting to the ICC’s final award, Malami said he acted in Nigeria’s interest during the dispute involving Sunrise Power and the Federal Government over the Mambilla project.
The former minister also said no evidence was presented before the tribunal linking him to any financial benefit from the dispute.
SPI-LAW Seeks Disciplinary Inquiry
Affidavits attached to the petition were deposed by John Aikpokpo-Martins, President of SPI-LAW, and Olukunle Edun, Vice-President.
The lawyers’ group said the allegations contained in the tribunal’s findings had severely threatened public confidence in the legal profession.
SPI-LAW urged the LPDC to invite Malami to respond to the allegations, arguing that failure to do so could send a message that holding high office provides immunity from professional ethical standards.
“The office of Attorney-General of the Federation is the highest legal office in the land. Its occupant must embody absolute integrity, loyalty to the Federation, and fidelity to the rule of law,” the group said.
SPI-LAW said its petition was filed in the public interest under Rule 4 of the LPDC Rules, 2020, stressing that no individual, regardless of status, should be above professional accountability.
The group urged the LPDC to determine whether there was a case to answer and invite Malami, SAN, to defend the allegations.
It also stressed that the allegations remained subject to disciplinary inquiry and that Malami would be entitled to a fair hearing as required by law.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.