A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has upheld the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s continuing detention of Abubakar Malami (SAN), former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
On Thursday, Justice Babangida Hassan dismissed Malami’s bail summons challenging his incarceration by the anti-graft agency.
According to EFCC spokeswoman Dele Oyewale, the verdict was delivered on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
According to the statement, Malami, through his attorney, Suliaman Hassan (SAN), sought the court seeking bail from EFCC custody, claiming that his arrest during an ongoing investigation was unconstitutional.
However, J. S. Okutepa (SAN), counsel for the EFCC, contended that the former minister was being held under a legitimate remand order issued by the FCT High Court and granted by Justice S. C. Oriji.
Oyewale stated that Justice Hassan, citing Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution (as modified), determined that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act allows for lawful detention under a court-issued remand order, and that Malami’s incarceration was thus legal.
“Asking this court to grant this application is tantamount to inviting the court to sit as an appellate court over an application made by a court of coordinate jurisdiction, which this court has no power to do,” the judge was quoted as saying.
Malami has been in jail since December 8, after failing to meet the EFCC’s bail requirements.
The former minister is under investigation for 18 alleged offenses, including abuse of authority and terrorism financing.
The EFCC confirmed searching his residences and workplaces in Abuja and Kebbi State.
However, Malami has accused the anti-graft agency of bias in its treatment of his case.
