The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has dismissed a bail application filed by Abubakar Malami, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and upheld his continued detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Babangida Hassan, in a ruling delivered on Thursday, held that Malami’s remand was lawful and in accordance with a valid court order previously issued by the court. The judge said the EFCC acted within its legal powers in detaining the former minister pending further investigation into allegations against him.
Malami had approached the court seeking immediate release from EFCC custody, arguing that his continued detention violated his fundamental rights. However, Justice Hassan disagreed, saying the anti-graft agency had presented sufficient grounds and documentation to justify the remand.
The ruling clears the way for the EFCC to continue its investigation into alleged financial misconduct during Malami’s tenure as the nation’s chief law officer. Neither Malami nor his legal team has commented publicly on the court’s decision as of press time.
