EFCC Accused of Defying Court Order, Illegally Detaining Abubakar Malami

Abuja, December 23, 2025 — The Office of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has accused the (EFCC) of open defiance of court orders, illegal detention, and conducting a media trial against him.

In a strongly worded statement released Tuesday, Malami’s office alleged that the EFCC refused to comply with a clear bail order issued by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on December 23, 2025, despite being duly served with the court process.

Alleged Refusal to Comply With Bail Order

According to the statement, EFCC officials allegedly refused to accept the court-backed bail letter, chased away a court bailiff, and continued to detain Malami in what was described as “brazen, contemptuous, and lawless conduct.”

The office further revealed that Malami has remained in EFCC custody for over fourteen (14) days without arraignment, contrary to constitutional provisions and a specific court order permitting detention for a maximum of 14 days.

“The EFCC was legally obligated to either release him immediately or arraign him before a court of competent jurisdiction. It has done neither.”

Claims of Illegal Detention and Rights Violation

The continued detention, the statement added, amounts to a gross violation of Malami’s fundamental human rights and reflects what it described as institutional lawlessness within the anti-graft agency.

Allegations of Media Trial and Political Persecution

Beyond the detention claims, Malami’s office accused the EFCC of orchestrating a media trial by allegedly feeding selective narratives to the press to shape public opinion.

The statement warned that when an anti-graft agency disobeys court orders and detains citizens without trial, it risks undermining democratic principles and the rule of law.

Call for Judicial and Public Intervention

The office called on:

• The judiciary to urgently address what it termed open contempt of court;
• Oversight and regulatory bodies to investigate and hold the EFCC accountable; and
• Concerned Nigerians to speak out against what it described as a dangerous precedent.

The statement reiterated that Malami remains willing to submit himself fully to due process and have any allegations determined in court but rejected what it described as trial by detention or media propaganda.

“Court orders are not suggestions. No agency, no matter how powerful, is above the law.”