“False and misleading” EFCC denies claims of revoking MALAMI’s bail over attendance of political gathering

Sunday, December 14, 2025 - The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has described recent claims by a former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, that his bail was revoked over his attendance at a political gathering in Kebbi State as “false and misleading.”

In a statement posted on its verified Facebook page on Saturday, the Commission explained that administrative bail is a discretionary and temporary relief granted to a suspect under clearly defined conditions, pending the conclusion of investigations and possible arraignment in court.

The EFCC stated that following his brief interrogation on November 28, 2025, Malami was granted administrative bail subject to five conditions, “none of which he has complied with to date.”

According to the Commission, Malami was expected to return for further interrogation on December 1, 2025, but by a letter dated December 4, 2025, he requested to be excused on grounds of “ill-health.”

The Commission noted that although Malami failed to provide any medical report or credible evidence to support the claim, it nonetheless granted his request “on compassionate grounds,” despite the fact that his bail conditions remained unmet.

The EFCC explained that the latitude extended to the former Minister could not be allowed to “stall ongoing investigations.” Consequently, he was invited again on December 8, 2025, for further interrogation and was detained pending the fulfilment of his outstanding bail conditions.

The Commission emphasised that “at no time was Malami’s bail revoked,” describing contrary claims as “untenable.” It also dismissed as “baseless” allegations that it barred him from granting media interviews or engaging in political activities.

According to the EFCC, it has “no interest in the political affiliations or activities of suspects” and remains “strictly apolitical” in the discharge of its statutory mandate.

The Commission further stated that its “apolitical posture” is demonstrated by its recent arraignment of a former governor and senior member of the ruling party over alleged contract fraud.

The EFCC urged Malami to focus on meeting his bail conditions and to cooperate fully with investigators, rather than “spreading false narratives through the media.”