No Escape: Deji Adeyanju Demands EFCC Probe Of Malami Over Abacha Loot

The controversy surrounding former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, has deepened, as human rights activist Deji Adeyanju called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to disregard Malami’s claims of persecution and pursue a thorough investigation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Malami had accused the EFCC of harboring “deep-seated historical animosity” and mounting a “personal vendetta” against him following his defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Adeyanju, however, described these claims as “unfortunate” and insisted that the EFCC must fulfill its mandate to probe Malami’s tenure, particularly regarding the management of recovered public funds.

“The EFCC should move forward without hesitation to investigate Mr. Malami, especially concerning his stewardship of all matters related to the Abacha loot,” Adeyanju stated.

He emphasized that public service carries the weight of accountability, adding, “Public office is a trust, and all officials—past and present—must be ready to provide a full account of how that trust was exercised.”

Adeyanju further dismissed Malami’s narrative of victimization, noting that the former AGF had wielded state power decisively against others while in office. “Malami exercised his authority without restraint, prosecuting opposition members and others. Having subjected others to such scrutiny, he cannot now claim immunity from the same process,” he said.

Adeyanju’s remarks came shortly after Malami demanded that the EFCC either arraign him within 24 hours or release him, citing constitutional protections against unlawful detention.

Malami had also called for the immediate recusal of the EFCC Chairman from his ongoing investigation, alleging that the probe—marked by “illegal detention, media harassment, and procedural abuse”—was politically motivated. He traced the investigation to lingering grudges from the Justice Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which examined the EFCC during his tenure as AGF.

“I have been clearly pre-judged and cannot receive a fair, objective, or lawful investigation under the current EFCC leadership,” Malami asserted.

The EFCC, however, maintained that Malami’s detention for failing to comply with administrative bail conditions was lawful, insisting that all actions taken are strictly guided by the law.