‘Release Him Now’ – ADC Condemns EFCC’s Decision to Revoke Malami’s Bail

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) decision to revoke the bail that was previously granted to former Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN) has been characterized by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as political politics rather than law enforcement.

According to the ADC’s statement, which was signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney General did not break any of the terms of his original release, according to all available evidence.

The party pointed out that canceling his bail could give the unavoidable impression that the measure was conducted to limit his political activities rather than to seek justice, particularly after he attended a political event in his home state of Kebbi.

The ADC reaffirmed the party’s support for the EFCC and any other anti-corruption agency to carry out its mandate of looking into crimes, but it cautions that selective or weaponized investigations against opposition leaders eventually jeopardize the nation’s real fight against corruption and make anti-corruption organizations complicit in the government’s repression of dissent and opposition.

The complete statement said: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) believes that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) revoked Mallam Abubakar Malami, SAN’s bail for political reasons.

Malami did not break any of the terms of his original bail, according to the available information. He knows what it means to break bail conditions because he was formerly the nation’s top law officer and a senior attorney. Even though he has completely cooperated with the EFCC’s investigators, he most likely did not realize that going to a political event in support of his desire to become governor of his home state of Kebbi may be the reason for the agency to revoke his bail.

To be clear, ADC considers corruption to be one of the biggest risks to our nation’s basic existence. As a result, we wholeheartedly endorse any sincere attempts to hold public servants responsible. However, we are extremely worried that the EFCC appears to be a political gladiator rather than an unbiased fighter against financial malfeasance due to several of its acts and inactions.

The EFCC’s decision to revoke Malami’s bail only after he had attended a political gathering raises concerns about the agency’s motivations, the political stance it is taking, and whether it is not breaking the very laws it claims to uphold.

“The EFCC gives itself powers it does not have under the Constitution by prohibiting a citizen from participating in politics. No government agency has the authority to redefine political boundaries, suspend political rights, or decide whether or not a citizen’s political interests may be pursued. It is impossible to avoid the conclusion that the EFCC’s true goal is to undermine his political aspirations in the state given that this restriction was limited to Kebbi State.

Once more, ADC is steadfastly dedicated to combating corruption, but we maintain that politicizing the fight against corruption is a significant kind of corruption in and of itself. We would want to draw the EFCC’s attention to the data on corruption in Nigeria from the Afrobarometer survey, which was published earlier this year. According to the research, the National Assembly and the police are the two most corrupt public institutions in the nation, followed by the Presidency (the President and officials).

According to ADC, if the EFCC is genuinely dedicated to combating corruption, studies like this provide it a chance to recognize the scope of its work and reevaluate its goals.

“The ADC supports Mallam Abubakar Malami, SAN, who we think is innocent of the accusations against him until a competent court finds him guilty. More significantly, we call for his prompt release on bail without any restrictions that would restrict his ability to exercise his political rights.