The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has denied claims that the ongoing investigation of former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami is politically motivated.
The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said the agency operates professionally, handling cases without regard to political affiliation.
He also revealed that he personally edited Malami’s investigation file to ensure the probe was conducted thoroughly and impartially.
Speaking on Sunday Politics on January 11, Olukoyede said, “The investigation of this man predated my tenure in office. Yes, I edited the investigation file. What I did was to ensure the investigation was carried out in a very professional and thorough manner.”
He added that Malami had been under investigation for nearly two and a half years, and the case was inherited from the previous EFCC leadership.
Olukoyede emphasised that the agency only proceeded when convinced of having a watertight case, dismissing allegations of personal persecution.
READ ALSO: Continued Detention: Malami Accuses EFCC Boss Of Personal Grudge
“Not until I was convinced that we had a watertight case, and Nigerians are witnesses, so there’s nothing personal about it. I don’t understand the issue of persecution,” he said.
Malami Faces Money Laundering Charges
Malami, his wife, and his son are facing ₦8.7 billion in money laundering charges.
The Federal High Court granted them bail on January 7, 2026, with strict conditions.
READ ALSO: Malami Raises Concerns Over Planned Rearrest
Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of 57 properties linked to Malami, including hotels, schools, and land across various states, valued at over ₦212 billion. The move has attracted significant national attention and debate.
Judicial Oversight
Justice Emeka Nwite issued a strong warning to Malami’s legal team against seeking undue favours in court proceedings, underscoring the judiciary’s commitment to fairness in the high-profile case.
Olukoyede reaffirmed that EFCC investigations are impartial and that the agency does not target members of any political party, noting that all cases are handled with professionalism and diligence.
Malami: Olukoyede Lacks Moral Right to Investigate Me
Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN, had earlier alleged that his continued detention by the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, was based on a personal grudge.
READ ALSO: Alleged Corruption: Dangote Drags Ex-NMDPRA Chief to EFCC
Malami, through his media aide, Muhammed Bello Doka, said that the commission chief lacks moral and constitutional rights to detain or investigate him.
He said due to Malami’s sour relationship with the commission boss, the Ayo Salami committee now fuels hatred towards the former minister, aggravating his pursuit of a personal vendetta.
“No law in the country allows a man to investigate a suspect he had a long-standing frosty relationship with; detain or investigate him; his continued stay in the custody of EFCC constitutes bare human rights abuse.”
He insisted that the commission boss lacks the moral and constitutional rights to investigate Malami because there already exists a personal dislike.
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.
