The Kebbi State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of acting outside the law and displaying political bias, following the detention of former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, SAN.
The party made the charge on Sunday during a news conference at the Azbir Hotel in Birnin Kebbi, when it demanded Malami’s immediate release, claiming that his imprisonment was unlawful and politically motivated.
Sufyan Bala, the Kebbi State Chairman of the ADC, told journalists that the EFCC had allegedly overstepped its authority and was increasingly adopting the role of “the law itself,” rather than a law enforcement body governed by constitutional restrictions.
“The EFCC is a creation of the law and must operate strictly within the confines of the Constitution.
“When law enforcement becomes selective and biased, it poses a serious threat to democracy and the rule of law,” Bala said.
The ADC claimed that the detention of Malami, a senior member and party leader in Kebbi State, was part of a larger campaign to intimidate opposition figures and push them into joining the ruling All Progressives Congress.
According to the party, Malami has not been formally charged with any wrongdoing, which it claims violates the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), emphasizing that no Nigerian should be treated unfairly.
“We are not asking for special treatment. He must not be treated above the law, but certainly not beneath it. Democracy cannot thrive under fear, intimidation, and lawlessness,” Bala said.
Despite the circumstances, the party stated that it remained steadfast and undeterred, assuring its members and supporters of its dedication to democratic values and political involvement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The ADC chairman asked party members in Kebbi State to remain peaceful and law-abiding while confirming the party’s commitment to challenging what it called “ineffective governance” at the local, state, and national levels.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission detained Malami after he failed to meet the bail conditions granted to him. He has remained in custody since December 8 and is being investigated for 18 offenses, including alleged abuse of office and terrorism financing.
As of the time of posting this story, the EFCC has not publicly published the details of the Malami probe or reacted to the ADC’s charges of partiality.
